There are so many people falling for scams, Im posting advice here for the public in general, courtesy of my bank.
I would like to do my bit to help protect you all, so please read on
DO NOT buy anything advertised on social media, never click on links from Instagram or Facebook that pop up, or use Facebook Marketplace. It could be a fake site.
DO NOT fall for online special deals, bargains of branded goods, discounts on branded beauty products. Do not fall for a bargain unless it is from a known store like John Lewis and then check it isnt a fake store site.
ALWAYS CHECK that you are on the right site for a store by checking the URL. There are fake stores online, even stores like Harrods or M&S
CHECK the non-delivery policy of any online marketplace like Vinted, EBAY etc, if you don’t get your product they may not return your payment
DO NOT agree to pay for anything you buy online with gift tokens or direct bank transfers.
DO NOT CLICK LINKS in any unexpected message coming into your email / whatsapp or text messages. Not even if it looks official, like taxman, government, etc. NONE
DO NOT LISTEN to cold calls from people offering discounts on phone /broadband deals. Hang up.
DO NOT LISTEN to people telling you that there is a problem with your PC. CUT THEM OFF
IGNORE people messaging that you need to pay to redeliver a package. It’s always a scam
NEVER GIVE A NUMBER CODE to people who call you from your bank or other. This gives them control of your apple pay.
CALL SPOOFING – HALT if you get a call from what looks like your bank and it is the “real number” STOP the call and call your bank from a different phone or your bank app, to find out if they called you or not
CONCERT TICKET FRAUDS – sadly very common.Don’t fall for special offers from a stranger.
ROMANCE FRAUD – if anyone asks you for money, no matter how small for what emergency; say NO NO NO. If you cant say no, speak to an expert or the police.
FRIENDLY CALLS Scammers use humour and being nice to you to hook you in.
Report any scams to ACTION FRAUD or dial 159 if you think you fell for a scam.
or you can report a Scam online directly to the National Cyber Security Centre here – https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams/report-scam-website