Phishing Scams Targeting Eton? How to Spot Them (Spoiler: The Queen Isn’t Emailing You)  

If you’ve ever received an email claiming to be from the Queen (or HMRC, Royal Mail, or your bank) demanding urgent action, you’re not alone. Phishing scams are on the rise, and Eton locals aren’t immune.  

At Eton Computer Services, we’ve helped dozens of Eton residents and businesses dodge digital traps—from suspicious texts about “unclaimed parcels” to fake tax demands. In this guide, we’ll arm you with the tools to spot (and stop) phishing attempts before they ruin your day.  

We’ll cover:  

• What phishing is and why Eton is a target  

• 6 red flags of phishing emails  

• Real phishing examples from Eton  

• How to protect yourself and your business  

• Why you should never reply to “urgent” messages—even if they mention the Crown.  

Let’s dive in.  

Why Phishing Scams Love Eton (And Why You Should Care)  

Phishing isn’t just a “tech problem”—it’s a human problem. Scammers exploit trust, urgency, and familiarity to steal data, money, or both. And Eton’s mix of affluent residents, historic institutions, and small businesses makes it a prime target.  

The Stats:

• UK phishing attacks increased by 25% in 2023.  

• 43% of UK phishing victims lost money, with an average loss of £2,500.  

Common Targets in Eton:

• Residents: Fake HMRC texts, parcel delivery scams (Royal Mail, DPD), and pension fraud.  

• Businesses: CEO fraud (scammers impersonating bosses), fake invoices, and ransomware via email.  

Spoiler: The Queen, Harry Styles, or a “mysterious benefactor” will never email you out of the blue.  

6 Red Flags of Phishing Emails  

1.Urgency or Threats

Example: “Your account will be suspended unless you act now!”  

Why It’s a Scam: Legitimate companies won’t pressure you with deadlines.  

2. Mismatched Email Addresses

Example: “HMRC@taxes-uk.gov” instead of “gov.uk”  

Why It’s a Scam: Scammers mimic official domains but often slip up.  

3. Poor Grammar or Odd Tone

Example: “Deer Sir/Madam, We have notice a suspicious activity on your count.”  

Why It’s a Scam: Even if the spelling is perfect, the tone might feel off.  

4. Requests for Sensitive Info

Example: “Click here to update your National Insurance number.”  

Why It’s a Scam: HMRC, banks, and the NHS will never ask for passwords or bank details via email.  

5. Suspicious Links or Attachments

Example: “Download your invoice here: tinyurl.com/claimnow”  

Why It’s a Scam: Hover over links (don’t click!) to check the URL.  

6. Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers

Example: “You’ve won £500,000!”  

Why It’s a Scam: If it sounds absurd, it probably is.  

Real Phishing Examples from Eton (And How to Spot Them)  

Scam 1: Fake Royal Mail Texts  

Text: “Your parcel couldn’t be delivered. Reschedule here: bit.ly/2Xq9zY”  

Red Flags:

• Shortened link (bit.ly)  

• No parcel reference number  

• Royal Mail never texts without sending a physical notice  

Scam 2: HMRC Impersonation Email  

Email Subject: “Action Required: Unpaid Tax Demand”  

Red Flags:

• Came from a Gmail account  

• “Urgent payment” link leads to a fake HMRC login  

• HMRC always contacts via post first  

Scam 3: “CEO Fraud” at a Local Eton Business  

Email to Accountant: “Hi, I’m in a meeting and need a £10k transfer to [scam bank account].”  

Red Flags:

• CEO’s email was “ceo@yourcompany-support.com”  

• Unusual request outside normal workflow  

• No verification call  

Quick Checklist: Is It Phishing?  

1. Does it demand immediate action?  

2. Is the email address mismatched?  

3. Does it ask for passwords or money?  

4. Is the tone or spelling off?  

5. Does it include a suspicious link or attachment?  

If you answered “yes” to any of these, delete it. And no, the Queen won’t be offended.  

How to Protect Yourself and Your Eton Business  

For Home Users:  

1. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds a second layer of security (e.g., a code sent to your phone).  

2. Update Software:*Enable automatic updates for Windows, macOS, and apps.  

3. Report Suspicious Emails:*Forward HMRC scams to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.  

For Businesses:  

1. Train Your Team: Phishing simulations and workshops reduce click rates by 70%.  

2. Verify Financial Requests: Always confirm transfers via a phone call.  

3. Install Email Filters:*Tools like Microsoft Defender for Office block 99% of phishing emails.  

Pro Tip: We’ve helped Eton businesses set up cybersecurity audits and staff training—[book a free consultation](#) to discuss your needs.  

FAQs: Common Phishing Questions  

Q: What should I do if I’ve already clicked a phishing link?

A: Disconnect from Wi-Fi, run a malware scan, and change passwords immediately.  

Q: Are text message scams (smishing) as dangerous as emails?

A: Yes—follow the same rules: don’t click links, verify the sender, and delete it.  

Q: How do I report phishing scams in Eton?

A: Report to Action Fraud (reportfraud.police.uk) and forward emails to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).