Black Friday, originally an American tradition, has grown into a global phenomenon. In recent years, the shopping event has spread beyond the United States, and retailers everywhere participate by slashing prices on big-ticket items and popular products. Unfortunately, scammers also see this as a prime opportunity to take advantage of people’s desire for a good deal. Understanding the risks and knowing what to look for are essential for a safe shopping experience. In the blog post, we will provide you with a guide how to avoid black Friday scams online. During Black Friday, scam tactics are more creative and believable. According to a study by Cybersecurity Ventures, online scams spike significantly around major retail events, with phishing emails alone increasing by nearly 200% during Black Friday weekend. 2. Common Types of Black Friday Scams Scammers employ various methods to defraud consumers. Here are some common types to be aware of: […]

In recent years, pension scams have become an increasingly concerning issue in the UK. With people more reliant on their pensions than ever before to secure a comfortable retirement, fraudsters are targeting unsuspecting individuals with elaborate schemes designed to separate them from their hard-earned savings. Unfortunately, the consequences of falling victim to a pension scam can be financially devastating and often irreversible. In this blog post, we’ll walk through the essential steps you can take to protect yourself from pension scams in the UK. We’ll explain how pension scams work, the warning signs to look out for, and provide valuable tips on how to safeguard your future retirement income. What Are Pension Scams Pension scams occur when fraudsters convince individuals to transfer or release money from their pension under false pretenses. Often, these scams offer too-good-to-be-true investment opportunities, free pension reviews, or ways to unlock pension money before the legal

The digital landscape has opened up numerous possibilities for legitimate businesses and cybercriminals alike. Scammers have become more sophisticated, using new technologies, social engineering, and even artificial intelligence to deceive victims. It’s essential to recognize that scammers no longer rely solely on emails or phone calls to con people out of their hard-earned money. In 2024, scams are more personalized and harder to detect. The scammers may pose as government agencies, tech companies, or even trusted friends. As their methods grow more sophisticated, the only way to stay safe is by educating yourself about these evolving tactics. 1. Phishing 2.0 Phishing scams have been around for years, but they have taken on a new form in 2024. Traditional phishing involves sending fake emails designed to trick users into divulging personal information. However, Phishing 2.0 involves highly targeted attacks using AI-generated emails that appear incredibly authentic. These phishing attacks often mimic

The digital world is full of conveniences, but unfortunately, it’s also home to many scams. One of the more prevalent forms of fraud in the UK right now is mobile phone delivery scams. These scams often revolve around seemingly legitimate text messages, emails, or calls claiming to be from reputable couriers, delivery services, or even mobile phone providers. If you’re living in the UK or have had a package delivered here, you may have already encountered such fraudulent schemes. In this post, we’ll look into what UK mobile phone delivery scams are, how they work, what you should be aware of, and, more importantly, how to protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. What are Mobile Phone Delivery Scams Mobile phone delivery scams are fraudulent attempts to steal your personal information, financial data, or even your mobile phone through deceptive methods. Scammers often disguise themselves as courier companies like

Understanding the Nature of Indian Scams Indian scammers are notorious for operating large-scale fraud operations, often targeting individuals and businesses in countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. These scammers typically impersonate legitimate organizations, such as tech support companies, government agencies, or financial institutions, to trick their victims into providing sensitive information or money. If someone calls you with an Indian accent from Microsoft, Amazon or asks you to install software on your phone, terminate the call straight away Some of the most common types of scams originating from India include Tech Support Scams: Fraudsters claim to be from major companies like Microsoft or Apple and inform victims that their computer has been infected with a virus. They then offer to fix the problem for a fee. IRS or CRA Scams: Scammers pretend to be from tax authorities such as the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) in

Scams have become more prevalent than ever, targeting people from all walks of life. Whether it’s a dodgy email, a phone call from a so-called “official,” or an elaborate online con, scammers are always coming up with new ways to trick people. But don’t worry, there are plenty of things you can do to protect yourself. In this blog post, we’ll dive into 30 ways you can stop scams and keep your personal information safe. We’ll also include some links to resources that can help you stay one step ahead of the fraudsters. 1. Stay Informed About Common Scams Scammers are always evolving their tactics, so keeping yourself up-to-date on the latest scams is crucial. Sign up for email alerts from trusted sources like the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) or Action Fraud, which provides updates on common frauds circulating in the UK. 2. Don’t Trust Unsolicited Communications If

In an increasingly digital world, scams are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. The UK has seen a rise in various types of fraud, especially as more people rely on online services. Understanding these scams is crucial in safeguarding yourself and your finances. In this blog post, we’ll cover the top 20 UK scams for 2024 and provide you with practical tips on how to avoid falling victim to them. 1. Phishing Scams What is it? Phishing scams involve cybercriminals impersonating legitimate organizations, typically through email, to trick you into providing personal information like passwords, credit card numbers, or bank account details. These emails often look like they’re from trusted sources such as banks, online retailers, or even government agencies. How to Avoid It: Verify the Source: Always check the sender’s email address carefully. Even if the email looks official, slight discrepancies like an extra letter or a different

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, scams and frauds have become increasingly sophisticated. With the rapid advancement of technology and the global interconnectedness of markets, scammers have found new ways to exploit businesses of all sizes. Understanding these scams and learning how to protect yourself is crucial for maintaining the integrity and financial health of your business. This blog post will explore some of the most common business scams and provide practical tips on how to safeguard your business. 1. Email Phishing Scams What is Email Phishing? Email phishing is one of the most prevalent types of scams targeting businesses. Scammers send fraudulent emails that appear to be from reputable sources, such as banks, suppliers, or even colleagues. The goal is to trick recipients into providing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or bank account details. How to Identify Email Phishing Unusual Sender Address: Check the email address

1. Introduction to Cybersecurity What is Cybersecurity? Cyber security refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These cyberattacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information, extorting money from users, or interrupting normal business processes. Importance for Small Businesses Small businesses are increasingly becoming targets for cybercriminals. Often perceived as low-hanging fruit due to their typically weaker defences compared to larger enterprises, small businesses need to prioritize cybersecurity to safeguard their data, reputation, and financial health. A cyberattack can have devastating consequences, including financial losses, legal repercussions, and loss of customer trust. 2. Common Cyber Threats for Small Businesses Phishing Phishing is a method used by cybercriminals to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal data. These attacks are typically conducted via email, where the attacker poses as a legitimate entity to deceive the

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, remote PC software has become a cornerstone of modern computing. Its ability to facilitate remote access and control of computers from anywhere in the world has revolutionized how businesses operate and individuals interact with technology. However, this convenience comes with a dark side: the potential for misuse by scammers. This blog post explores how cybercriminals leverage remote PC software to execute their schemes, the techniques they use, and how you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. If Someone Calls You Asking You To Install Remote Software On Your Computer DO NOT INSTALL IT 2. What is Remote PC Software? Remote PC software, also known as remote access software, allows users to control a computer or network from a remote location. This capability is incredibly useful for IT support teams, enabling them to troubleshoot and fix issues without being physically present. It

The digital age has brought unprecedented convenience, connecting us with people, services, and information at the touch of a button. However, it has also opened doors for cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting individuals through various forms of scams. Whether it’s through email, text messages, or phone calls, scammers have become increasingly sophisticated, making it essential to be vigilant and informed. This blog post will guide you through identifying scam communications and provide practical steps to protect yourself. Understanding the Basics of Scams What is a Scam A scam is a deceptive scheme or trick used to cheat someone out of something, typically money or personal information. Scammers use a variety of tactics to appear legitimate, often mimicking trusted organizations or individuals to gain your trust. Common Types of Scams Phishing: Attempts to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by disguising as a trustworthy entity in electronic

In today’s digital age, where technology connects us in ways never before imagined, the prevalence of online scams is on the rise. One particularly insidious form of cybercrime gaining traction is sextortion. Sextortion involves blackmailing individuals by threatening to release compromising images or videos unless they pay a ransom. It preys on human vulnerability, exploiting intimate moments captured in the digital realm. However, with awareness and proactive measures, you can protect yourself from falling victim to sextortion scams. In this guide, we’ll delve into the anatomy of sextortion scams, highlight common tactics used by perpetrators, and provide practical steps to protect yourself from sextortion scams. Never Share An Explicit / Naked Photo Of Yourself With Someone You Have Not Met In Person If someone online asks you to share an Explicit / Naked image/photo with them DO NOT DO IT. Understanding Sextortion Sextortion is a form of extortion that typically

Love and romance are beautiful aspects of life that many of us seek, especially in today’s digital age where connections can be made across continents with just a few clicks. However, amidst the sea of genuine relationships, there lurk predators who exploit emotions for financial gain through romance scams. This blog post will delve into the world of romance scams, exploring their tactics, red flags, and most importantly, equipping you with practical strategies to protect yourself from romance scams Understanding Romance Scams Romance scams, also known as sweetheart scams or catfishing, involve individuals creating fake personas to establish romantic relationships with unsuspecting victims. These scammers often operate on online dating platforms, social media, or through email and messaging apps. They employ various tactics to gain trust and manipulate emotions, ultimately leading to requests for money or financial assistance under false pretenses. Types of Romance Scams There are several common types

Concerts are exhilarating experiences, offering the chance to see favorite artists live, share the moment with fellow fans, and create lasting memories. Unfortunately, the high demand for tickets often attracts scammers looking to exploit eager fans. With the rise of digital ticketing and secondary marketplaces, concert ticket scams have become increasingly sophisticated. This guide aims to help you recognize these scams, protect yourself, and ensure that your concert-going experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Understanding Concert Ticket Scams Concert ticket scams come in various forms, each designed to trick you into parting with your money without delivering a legitimate ticket. Understanding the common types of scams is the first step in protecting yourself. 1. Fake Ticket Sales One of the most common scams involves selling counterfeit tickets. Scammers may create realistic-looking tickets that are difficult to distinguish from genuine ones. These tickets might be sold on secondary marketplaces,

Deep fakes are synthetic media created using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, particularly deep learning algorithms. They involve superimposing or replacing the likeness of one person onto another person’s body or altering a person’s appearance or voice in video or audio recordings in a highly convincing manner. This blog post will give you some tips and advice about how to avoid deep fake scams The term “deep fake” is derived from “deep learning,” a subset of machine learning that utilizes neural networks with many layers to analyze and learn from large amounts of data. Deep fake technology typically involves generative adversarial networks (GANs), which consist of two neural networks competing against each other: one generates the fake content, and the other evaluates its authenticity. Deep fakes can be used for various purposes, including entertainment, satire, and digital art. However, they also pose significant ethical and security concerns, particularly when used

The world of cryptocurrency has exploded in recent years, transforming from a niche interest to a global financial phenomenon. With its rapid rise in popularity, however, comes an increase in fraudulent schemes designed to prey on unsuspecting investors. As we move into 2024, it’s crucial to stay informed about potential threats in the crypto space. This blog post aims to highlight ten of the most prevalent cryptocurrency scams to watch out for this year, helping you protect your investments and navigate the digital currency landscape safely. 1. Ponzi Schemes What Are Ponzi Schemes? A Ponzi scheme is a type of investment scam where returns are paid to earlier investors using the capital of new investors, rather than profit earned by the operation of a legitimate business. These schemes promise high returns with little risk, luring in investors who are unaware that the profits are derived from their own money or

Protecting yourself from scam calls is crucial in today’s digital age, where fraudulent activities continue to rise, especially in the UK. Scam callers often pose as legitimate entities, such as banks, government agencies, or service providers, to deceive individuals into providing personal information or money. To safeguard yourself from falling victim to such scams, it’s essential to adopt various preventive measures and remain vigilant. The following tips and advice will help you to protect yourself from scam calls. Indian Scammers A Majority of scam calls come from Indian call centers located in Mumbai, India. Most scammers who work for these companies are highly skilled at exploiting money from innocent people. The people who work for these companies have no shame, morals, or ethics. If someone calls you with an Indian accent from Micorsoft, Amazon, The Bank, HMRC, Police, Governemt, Gas, electicy or delivery company asking you for your bank account

In today’s fast-paced digital world, scams are evolving at an unprecedented rate. As technology advances, so do the tactics of scammers. In 2024, it’s more important than ever to stay informed about the latest scams and how to protect yourself. This blog post will explore ten scams you need to know about in 2024 offering insights and tips on how to avoid falling victim to them. 1. Cryptocurrency Investment Scams Description: Cryptocurrency investment scams are on the rise as more people seek to invest in digital currencies. These scams often promise high returns with little risk and use sophisticated tactics to lure victims. How It Works: Scammers create fake investment platforms or pose as legitimate cryptocurrency investment firms. They may use social media, email, or even direct phone calls to persuade victims to invest in their schemes. Once the victim deposits their money, the scammer disappears, and the funds are lost.

In today’s digital age, job seekers face not only the challenge of finding a job but also the risk of falling victim to various job scams that have appeared online. Scammers are employing cunning tactics to exploit the vulnerability of individuals seeking job opportunities. This blog post includes some common job scams that are targeting people at the moment and provides practical strategies to avoid falling prey to them. Latest Job Scams These are some of the latest job scams that are targeting innocent people online. Even the most tech-savvy people are falling for these scams and have lost thousands of pounds which are used to fund criminal gangs. Fake Job Postings One prevalent job scam involves fake job postings that lure unsuspecting candidates with enticing promises. Job seekers should exercise caution when encountering vague job descriptions, unrealistic salary offers, or positions that require minimal effort. To avoid such scams,

In the digital age, where technology connects people globally, the risk of falling victim to scams has become an unfortunate reality. Discovering that you have been scammed can be a distressing experience, prompting a cascade of emotions ranging from frustration to anxiety. However, it is crucial to approach the situation with a clear mind and take immediate steps to mitigate the impact. The following advice will help you and protect you from getting scammed by scammers in the future. Remember scammers are dirty, low life scum who have no morals or shame who will do anything to get your money. If someone calls you, sends you a text message or email and you do not know the person who is calling you or person who sent you the message or email. Delete It! 1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation The first and most crucial step is to stay calm.

Scammers can be anyone, anywhere, and can use various methods to trick people into giving them money or personal information. It is essential to be cautious when dealing with unknown people, especially online. This blog post will look at some effective ways to avoid getting scammed by scammers. Educate Yourself The first step to avoid getting scammed is to educate yourself about common scams. Scammers use different tactics to defraud people, and knowing how they operate can help you avoid falling for their tricks. Some common scams include phishing emails, lottery scams, fake charities, investment scams, and romance scams. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Better Business Bureau (BBB) are good sources to learn about the latest scams and how to avoid them. Verify The Identity Scammers often pretend to be someone they are not. They may pose as a government official, a bank representative, or a company employee. To

The following tips will help you stay safe online from scammers who are working 24/7 and ripping people off every day. There has been a massive increase in activity from scammers who are ripping thousands of people off on a daily basis using a wide range of techniques to profit from and fund criminal activity. If it’s too good to be true then it’s a scam A majority of scams come from Indian call centers and romance scams come from Nigeria. Read the Met police little book of big scams which includes a lot of useful information to protect you offline. Use the citizen’s advice free scam check tool and report all scams to the Action Fraud website at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. Do not give any personal information including (name, address, bank details, email, or phone number) to anyone you do not know. Even if they say it’s the Tax man, police, Bank, energy company, or government. Never share your banking

Introduction to Facebook Marketplace Facebook Marketplace was launched in October 2016 as a platform for Facebook users to buy and sell items within their local communities. With its integration into the already widely used social media platform, it quickly gained traction. The Marketplace allows users to list items for sale, search for goods in their vicinity, and communicate directly with potential buyers or sellers through Facebook Messenger. The appeal of Facebook Marketplace lies in its ease of use and accessibility. Users can browse through categories such as vehicles, electronics, home goods, and clothing, among others. The localized nature of the platform often means faster transactions and the potential for better deals compared to traditional e-commerce sites. However, the very features that make Facebook Marketplace convenient also make it a target for scammers. The platform’s relatively open nature, with minimal initial verification required to list items or contact sellers, provides an

As the cost-of-living crisis worsens there has been a significant increase in scammers impersonating energy firms to trick victims into handing over money or payment details. January 2022 saw a 27% increase in energy scam reports compared with the previous January. This blog post will list the top 8 energy scams to watch out for. Doorstep Misrepresentation One of the most common scams involves doorstep misrepresentation, where fraudsters pose as energy suppliers or representatives. They employ high-pressure tactics, coercing consumers into signing up for new contracts or switching providers without their informed consent. To protect against this scam, it is crucial to verify the identification of any doorstep salesperson and never feel rushed into making hasty decisions. Energy Saving Devices Another prevalent scam targets energy-conscious consumers seeking to reduce their energy bills. Fraudsters promote fake energy-saving devices that promise substantial reductions in energy consumption. These devices are often ineffective, leading

WhatsApp has emerged as one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms, with billions of users worldwide. Its ease of use and rapid communication capabilities have made it an indispensable part of modern life. However, also becomes a fertile ground for scammers and fraudsters seeking to exploit unsuspecting users. To protect yourself from WhatsApp scams, it is essential to remain vigilant, verify sources, and educate yourself about the various forms these scams can take. By taking proactive steps to safeguard personal information and financial assets, users can continue to enjoy the benefits of digital communication without falling prey to the deceitful tactics of online scammers. Always remember scammers are dirty scum, low-life people who have no shame. They have one purpose to steal your money. If you do not know the telephone number where the WhatsApp message has come from block the telephone number or delete the message. Never click

In the digital age, where technology connects us all, the risk of falling victim to phishing scams has increased significantly. Phishing scams are a form of cybercrime that target individuals, businesses, and organizations by manipulating them into revealing sensitive information or performing malicious actions. By understanding these scams and their tactics, you can better protect yourself against such malicious activities. Type Of Phishing Scams   Email Spoofing One of the most common phishing scams is email spoofing. Attackers forge email addresses to make them appear as if they come from legitimate sources, such as banks, social media platforms, or government agencies. By imitating trusted entities, they deceive recipients into divulging personal information or clicking on malicious links. Deceptive Websites Phishers create fake websites that mimic legitimate ones, aiming to steal users’ credentials. These fraudulent sites are designed to closely resemble popular platforms like online banking portals, e-commerce websites, or email

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems used by millions of websites around the world. However, due to its popularity, it is also a common target for hackers. If your WordPress site has been hacked, it can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. In this blog post, we will show you how to fix a hacked WordPress website Step 1: Identify the hack The first step is to identify the hack. This can be done by scanning your website with a security plugin or by manually checking your website’s files and directories. Look for any suspicious files, such as those with random names or those that do not belong to your website. Also, check your website for any unusual behavior, such as redirecting to another site or displaying unusual pop-ups. Step 2: Backup your website Before you make any changes to your website, it’s essential to back

Ukraine Donation scammers are taking advantage of the Ukraine war to scam people out of money. Action Fraud estimate that they have received around 200 reports of fake requests to fundraise for victims of the Ukraine war with scammers asking people to donate money via a scam donation website or via text or by calling a premium rate telephone number. Never click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails or respond to messages which ask for your personal or financial details. You can find lots of useful information at the following official websites if you wish to donate money to help people involved in the Ukraine war crisis https://www.unicef.org.uk and https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukraine-what-you-can-do-to-help Cost Of Living When scammers see an opportunity to rip someone off they will take advantage of it, and the cost of living crisis is a great way for criminals to take advantage of vulnerable people. The latest scams include receiving a text,

The holiday season is a time for joy, relaxation, and creating lasting memories with loved ones. However, amidst the excitement, there are individuals and organizations that seek to take advantage of unsuspecting holidaymakers through various scams. The impact of holiday scams can be devastating for victims, both financially and emotionally. Financially, victims may lose substantial amounts of money through fake bookings, upfront fees, or unauthorized charges. These losses can disrupt travel plans, leaving individuals and families in distress, especially if they have invested a significant portion of their savings into their vacation. Moreover, the emotional toll cannot be underestimated, as victims may experience feelings of betrayal, frustration, and disappointment, tarnishing their holiday experience and eroding trust in future travel endeavors. Latest Holiday Scams Online Booking Scams With the advent of technology, online booking has become the norm for holiday planning. Scammers exploit this trend by setting up fake travel websites

Scammers come from all over the world, and they come from diverse backgrounds. The rise of the internet has made it easier for scammers to target people regardless of where they live. Some scammers operate as individuals, while others operate as part of organized criminal groups. Many scammers come from countries with weaker economies and high levels of corruption. In these countries, it may be easier for scammers to operate without fear of consequences from law enforcement. Additionally, scammers from these countries may be motivated by a desire to escape poverty and improve their financial situation. However, it is important to note that scammers can also come from developed countries with strong economies and low levels of corruption. In these countries, scammers may be motivated by greed and a desire for easy money. They may use their technical skills and knowledge of advanced technology to carry out scams. Scammers can

In today’s digital age, Quick Response (QR) codes have become ubiquitous. From restaurant menus to payment gateways and marketing materials, these matrix barcodes offer a convenient way to access information and services instantly. However, as with any technology, the widespread adoption of QR codes has also attracted malicious actors. QR code scams are a growing concern, posing significant risks to individuals and businesses alike. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of QR code scams, how they work, and the steps you can take to protect yourself. What Are QR Codes? A Brief History QR codes were invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a subsidiary of the Toyota Group, to track vehicles during the manufacturing process. Over time, their application expanded beyond industrial use, becoming popular in advertising, retail, and other consumer-facing industries. The ability to encode various types of data, including URLs, text, and contact information, has

With the increase of malicious cyber, hacker, and scammer activity online it is more important than ever to use good password security practices to protect yourself online. Hackers and scammers are working 24/7 trying to exploit and take advantage of innocent people around the world. These people are criminals with no shame, morals, or ethics they don’t care how they exploit you as long as they get your personal information in order to steal your money Having a secure and strong password that is changed on a regular basis reduces the risk of getting your accounts hacked. Also using different passwords for the different services you use online is also very helpful to stop hackers and scammers from getting hold of your money. Avoid Using Weak Passwords Weak passwords are made up of common words, numbers, or keyboard patterns that can be easily guessed by anyone who wants to crack

Getting scammed by a scammer is not a nice experience it can have a negative impact on your overall personality, confidence, and mental health. You may feel a sense of shame or embarrassment that someone has managed to abuse your trust in order to steal your money or even take your life savings. Remember anyone can fall victim to a scammer, the important thing is to turn this negative experience into a positive experience which may help other people from becoming a victim. Important Information Make a note of any important information including the phone number the scammer calls you from. Make a note of the email address they used or the website address you visited. Try to remember the specific date, and time the scam took place. When did the money leave your bank account and how much money was stolen from you? Gather as much information as possible

Phishing is a fraudulent practice used by hackers and scammers who send emails or messages via SMS text, WhatsApp, or social media accounts claiming to be from reputable companies or government agencies like the HMRC, UK government, Amazon, PayPal, Netflix, NHS, and so on in order to induce individuals into revealing personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers so they can steal your identity or all your money. How Do You Spot a Phishing Scam Everyone can get caught out by a Phishing scam whether it’s via email, text, or a social media message. cybercriminals send millions of messages out every day and every single day some will always fall into their trap and lose money or get their identity is stolen which is then sold to the highest bidder on the dark web who will, in turn, take a loan or credit card out in your name.

A phone call scam involves a scammer who will cold call you claiming to be from the Bank, government, HMRC, Amazon, Mircosoft, or another well-known company. They will state one of the following during the call or include the information in an automated phone call answer message. There is an unknown transaction on your bank statement Your bank card has been exploited by criminals and needs the pin locking or card replaced Your bank account has been exploited by criminals You have an outstanding tax bill that needs to payed or you will face prison They may leave you an automated telephone message which asks you to urgently contact them back by pressing 1 or 2 to speak to an advisor which will go to an Indian call center where the scammer will try and steal all your money from you. You have a virus on your computer which needs

When scammers see an opportunity to rip someone off they will take advantage of it, and the cost of living crisis is a great way for criminals to take advantage of vulnerable people who need support during this difficult time. Don’t let the scammer scum take all your money read the following which will make you aware of the latest scams which are happening in 2023. Cost of living payments Beware of texts asking you to claim or apply for the cost of living help from https://www.gov.uk or the Department for Work and Pensions. You don’t need to apply or do anything else to claim the payment. If you’re eligible, you’ll automatically receive the money straight into your bank account. Energy Rebate There has been a rise in scammers claiming to be from one of the ‘big six’ energy companies, as well as Ofgem. They send emails, using official logos, claiming

Scammers are taking advantage of the Ukraine war to scam people out of money. Action Fraud estimate that they have received around 200 reports of fake requests to fundraise for victims of the Ukraine war with scammers asking people to donate money via a scam donation website or via text or by calling a premium rate telephone number. How To Spot A Fake Ukraine Scam Website Poor spelling and grammar included on the website Long, convoluted web or email addresses which do not look official Unsecure websites which display security  warnings on your browser when you visit them Blurry images, logos, and branding can be a sign that materials have been copied Vague information on what happens to donations Asking for donations using cryptocurrency, gift cards, or direct bank transfers The Cyber security firm ESET has published a list of scam websites All these sites should be 100% avoided. If

Investment scams involve someone cold calling you or sending you a text, WhatsApp, email, or social media message offering you the opportunity to invest your money in a great investment that comes with guaranteed returns, They will try every trick in the book to sound like they are from a genuine investment company, or broker and will use high pressurized techniques like “this is a limited time deal, you need to invest now to avoid loosing out, the deal needs to be closed today” to force you to make a decision to invest in their latest scam. Before you make a decision always ask for the company details to confirm if they are genuine. Check the details at the FCA website https://register.fca.org.uk/s/ or use the FCA scam checker https://www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart/warning-list Never make a decision to invest money under pressure, if you get the feeling the investment is a scam don’t invest. Always speak to

The postal scam involves you receiving a text, WhatsApp message, or email from the Royal Mail or DPD to let you know that you have missed a postal delivery or would you like to pick up or rearrange delivery for a parcel. The postal, parcel scam is getting more and more popular every day and is used by scammers trying to rip people off. Scam Advice Don’t follow any links The most effective way to avoid text scams is to ignore links. Clicking on links could lead you to download malware and malicious software. Don’t share personal information Treat all messages requesting sensitive information with suspicion. Legitimate organizations will never text you to ask for your personal or banking details. Contact the organization directly If you’re unsure, contact the company that claims to have sent it. Use the official contact details listed on their website. Don’t reply Replying to a fake text, calling the number or

The HMRC tax scam is a popular one used by scammers trying to exploit people Some of the most commonly reported HMRC scams include the following An automated message saying that HMRC is filing a lawsuit against you. You are asked to press 1 to be connected to a caseworker which is normally a scammer based in India. A cold caller telling you that you are being charged with tax fraud. In order to avoid court action you are asked to send a copy of your passport and to pay over £1,000 An automated message saying that your National Insurance number has been compromised or is invalid. You are asked to press 1 to speak to an ‘advisor’ where you will be transferred to the scammer. An automated message purportedly from a criminal agency, saying that your National Insurance number is going to be suspended and your assets seized. The