This Week's Scam Trends: Fake Police, Job Offers, and Holiday Traps
Scammers are always finding new ways to trick people, but some familiar tricks are still catching families out. This week, police forces across the UK have issued warnings about several types of fraud. Here's what you need to know.
Fake Police and Courier Fraud
Courier fraud is when someone calls pretending to be a police officer or bank official. They claim your account is at risk or that you need to help with an investigation. They then ask you to withdraw money or hand over cards to a 'courier'.
This week, Leicestershire Police and Hay-on-Wye residents have been targeted. In Churchdown, a fake police officer conned residents in a supermarket. And in one case, a woman was scammed out of £17,000 and travelled across the UK trying to find the criminals.
What to do: Remember, the police or your bank will never ask you to withdraw cash, hand over cards, or transfer money. If you get a call like this, hang up and call your bank using the number on your card.
Recruitment Scams
Young adults are being offered jobs they never applied for. These scams often start with a message on social media or a fake job advert. They may ask for personal details or money upfront for 'training' or 'equipment'.
What to do: Always research the company and never pay for a job offer. Legitimate employers won't ask for money.
Holiday and Travel Scams
With travel picking up, scammers are targeting holidaymakers heading to Europe. Fake travel agents and visa fraud are on the rise. One warning said 'it is 100% a scam'.
What to do: Book through reputable companies, check reviews, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Never share personal details with unsolicited callers.
Phishing Surges at Universities
As students return, universities are being hit by phishing emails. These can look like they're from the university, asking you to log in or update details. The emails often lead to fake websites that steal your password.
What to do: Check the sender's email address carefully. If in doubt, contact the university directly using a known number.
Ransomware and Data Breaches
While not a direct scam, ransomware attacks on UK companies can affect you if your data is leaked. This week, there were 47 UK ransomware victims. Criminals may use stolen data to target you with personalised scams.
What to do: If you hear a company you use has been breached, change your password and watch out for suspicious emails.
Takeaway
Scams often rely on creating a sense of urgency or fear. Take a moment to stop and check. Talk to family and friends about these scams, especially older relatives who may be targeted by courier fraud. Remember, you can report scams to Action Fraud.
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