Watch out for these key scams

Scam alerts

Unfortunately scammers and fraudsters are getting more sophisticated and with the amount of technology we all now use, there are more opportunities for them to defraud us.

However, once you know what to look out for, you can protect yourself and those you care for.

There have been a few key scams happening lately, here’s a round up from various organisations, telling you what to look out for, with some general sources of further help and information below:

A  round up of scams warnings

• The five most convincing scams of the year, outlined here by WHICH.
• WHICH on online shopping and sharing your data simple tips to keep your data safe and avoid scams.
• WHICH on paying the ULEZ charge  how to spot and avoid these suspicious sites.
• WHICH on HMRC tax refund scams  the warning signs to look out for.
• WHICH on ‘brushing’ – that’s when you receive a parcel you never ordered. Scammers may send low-value items to your address, and use your name to post fake reviews and boost seller ratings- It could mean your personal data has been compromised. If this happens  1. Change your online passwords and bank logins immediately, 2. Keep a close eye on your bank statements, and 3. don’t attempt to return or pay for the item.  Watch this video
• WHICH on fake ‘energy support’ scams – scammers impersonating the Department for Work and Pensions, where dodgy messages include scam links to websites designed to steal personal and financial information. See the various versions of these scam texts so you don’t get caught out.
• ACTION FRAUD on Winter Fuel Payments – these are made automatically, so you don’t need to do anything. If you receive any text messages about Winter Fuel Payments, it’s a scam!
• ACTION FRAUD on QR codes. Scamming someone via a fake QR code is called ‘quishing’, and happens when a fake QR code is shared or a sticker of a fake one put on top of a real one (eg at a car park). Ones in places like restaurants are usually safe, but ones in external places, you should check carefully – have they been tampered with. If you receive an email with a QR code in it, and are asked to scan it, be careful.
• The Guardian on ‘your reservation is at risk’ scams, pretending to be companies like Booking.com. More about this scam
• The Guardian on ‘SMS Blasters’ – a portable phone mast that blasts nearby mobiles phones with credible looking text messages (without them needing your phone number to do so). What to watch out for here.
• Surrey Police’s (June) fraud newsletter rounds up some of latest scams they’ve found and prosecuted in Surrey.

Further support and information

The governments’ ‘stop think fraud’ web pages have LOTS of helpful information on all the above risks: including a section on keeping others safe from fraud.

Consumer body WHICH’s help and advice webpages on spotting, avoiding and reporting scams.

Surrey’s Trading Standards information is on the SCC site.

Report fraud or crime to national body Action Fraud.