PPI Fraudsters Claim To Be From the FCA
Action Fraud warns of Fraudsters posing as Financial Conduct Authority officials in light of new campaign.
Social Media Spying
People might not realise how much information they are giving away, but to a fraudster social media posts can be very helpful in setting up a scam.
TOP TIP: update your privacy settings on accounts; and think before you post!
The video below shows just how quickly someone can gather personal details on you!
Malicious Software On Smartphones
It is expected that malware (malicious software) threats will grow among mobile devices.
TOP TIP: Where possible, download anti-virus to all your mobile devices.
Bogus Brexit Investments
Consumers should be wary of fake investment opportunities. For example, fraudsters may email customers, warning Brexit will affect their savings, and that they urgently need to move them into a seemingly plausible, but actually fake, investment product.
TOP TIP: Never take up offers of investments on the spot from cold calls or emails.
Fraudsters Preying On World Cup Excitement
Some fraudsters will sell football tickets that are either fake or will never arrive. It is also expected that "package trips" will be offered by fake travel companies. Always buy tickets from a reputable source. We have seen similar scams with the Rio 2016 Olympics!
TOP TIP: Check for HTTPS and a padlock when buying, or entering personal details, online.
Money Mules
Mule recruiters may trawl social media for potential targets, particularly cash-strapped students in university towns, and use them to inadvertently launder money.
Money mules receive the stolen funds into their account, they are then asked to withdraw it and send the money to a different account, often one overseas, keeping some of the money for themselves.
TOP TIP: Be very cautious of unsolicited emails or approaches over social media promising opportunities to make easy money.
Wedding Excitement
Experts fear couples could be easy prey for fraudsters who tempt victims with extravagant offers at bargain prices. Fraudsters can set up fake websites for elements of the big day like venue hire, catering, or wedding dresses that appear very realistic. Fake wedding planners will take people's money and then disappear.
TOP TIP: Always research a company before parting with your money. Search online for reviews of their service.
Romance Scams
Criminals create fake profiles to form a relationship with their victims. They use messaging to mine victims' personal details to use for identity fraud. Or, just when the victim thinks they have met the perfect partner, the fraudsters asks them for money.
TOP TIP: Never send money to someone you’ve met online, no matter what reason they give or how long you've been speaking to them.
Scams Aimed At First-Time Buyers
Computer hackers monitor emails sent by a solicitor to a first-time buyer and then they pounce, pretending to be the solicitor and telling them the solicitors' bank account details have changed in order to steal cash.
TOP TIP: Always verify over the phone (using the phone number you always use - not one stated in the email), or in person, if any bank details have changed.
If You Are Affected By Any Of These
- Report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre by calling 0300 123 20 40 or by visiting their website.
- You can get support and advice following a crime by contacting Victim Support on 01926 682 693.
