The emails use convincing Screwfix branding and create a false sense of urgency by claiming the offer is expiring the same day

Tradespeople and small business owners across the UK are being warned about a new, sophisticated phishing scam targeting Screwfix customers. The scammers are sending out enticing emails claiming customers can win a free Stanley tool kit if they complete a "quick survey" - but this is merely a ploy to trick people into handing over their personal and financial information.

Andrew Brown, Software Security Expert at Propel Tech, explained how the scam works: "The latest phishing email making the rounds is hoping to trick Screwfix customers into clicking on a 'quick survey' and giving away their personal and business details to online scammers."

The emails use convincing Screwfix branding and create a false sense of urgency by claiming the offer is expiring the same day. However, a closer inspection reveals several red flags that distinguish these messages from genuine communications from the tools and hardware retailer.

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"Firstly, to determine if an email from Screwfix is genuine or a phishing scam, you should check the email address it is being sent from," said Brown. "In the scam emails we have seen, the email sending the offer is not hosted at the Screwfix.com domain and is instead being sent from a US-based domain that sells adult DVDs, which is clearly visible."

Additionally, while the email uses Screwfix logos, the listed business address is in Valley Cottage, New York - a dead giveaway, as Screwfix is a British company headquartered in Yeovil.

Be alert

Brown advises Screwfix customers to be extremely cautious of any unsolicited emails offering free products or prizes. "If you're unsure, it's best to treat all Screwfix emails as suspicious and avoid clicking any links or downloading attachments. Instead, visit the official Screwfix website directly to see if the offer or promotions mentioned are listed there."

The scammers are deliberately targeting tradesmen and small business owners, hoping to not only steal their personal information but also gain access to their more lucrative business details.

"These online scammers are deliberately targeting tradesmen and small business owners in the hope of not just scamming you out of your personal financial details, but also hoping to gain access to your more lucrative business ones," Brown warned.