Posts relating to Scams
WhatsApp account takeover scam Criminals are targeting WhatsApp users by posing as a friend and asking for a security code. Action Fraud has received over 60 reports relating to this scam. The scam begins when a criminal gets access to…
Energy rebate scam emails Action Fraud is warning the public about a sharp rise in reports relating to fake emails purporting to be from Ofgem, the independent energy regulator for Great Britain. The emails claim that the recipient is due…
WhatsApp scam costs victims £1.5 million The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) is warning the public about the continued increase in reports about scams where victims are targeted on WhatsApp by criminals pretending to be someone they know – typically…
Cost of Living Crisis Scam There is a potential scam to be aware of regarding the Cost of Living Crisis payments (the first payment of £326 will automatically be paid into eligible customers bank accounts between 14/7/22 and 31/7/22). Scammers…
With the recent changes to testing rules, fraudsters are impersonating the NHS by sending out text messages telling people to order a Covid-19 test. The message includes a link to a fake website, and asks for a delivery fee. The…
Courier Fraud Scam Alert We have unfortunately continued to receive reports of scammers contacting individuals via the telephone and pretending to either be Police Officers / Scotland Yard, or bank staff. No genuine organisation will EVER send someone to your…
Bogus Police Officer Scam Warning We have received a spike in reports of scam telephone calls from fraudsters impersonating police officers or stating that they are from the ‘Fraud Squad’. Victims have been told that either, their bank account has…
Whats App Scam Message - Urgent Demand For Money from Family Member We have received reports regarding a scam message that appears to come from your son or daughter via WhatsApp. The message asks for an urgent transfer of money…
Fake Covid-19 Vaccine Messages and Telephone Calls We have received reports that a fake NHS text message is circulating, telling people that they are eligible to apply for the COVID-19 vaccine. When you click on the link, you are taken…
Scam warning: Fake DPD emails and texts Action Fraud has seen a surge in reports relating to fake emails and texts purporting to be from DPD. The messages claim that DPD was “unable to deliver your parcel today” and provide…
Coronavirus-related fraud reports increase by 400% in March Recently the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) reported a new trend in fraud related to Coronavirus, or COVID-19. Updated figures show there have been 105 reports to Action Fraud since 1 February…
Cybercriminals exploit the spread of coronavirus Well, it was bound to happen. Since February 2020, the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has identified 21 reports of fraud where coronavirus was mentioned, with victim losses totalling over £800k. It's expected that…
Reports are being received of residents receiving bogus calls and messages offering “refunds” by people claiming to be acting on behalf of “Thomas Cook”. We would urge people to be vigilant of all unsolicited calls, texts or social media messages…
HSBC Telephone Scam Alert A member of our community has received a phone call ostensibly from his bank, HSBC, claiming to be making checks for GDPR. The caller gave details that included the persons full name, address, date of birth…
HMRC Scam Alert Action Fraud has experienced an increase in the reporting of malicious calls and voicemails, to members of the public purporting to be from Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Fraudsters are spoofing genuine HMRC telephone numbers to…
Online Vehicle Sales Alert - The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau Fraudsters have been advertising vehicles and machinery for sale on various online selling platforms, this includes vehicles and machinery used by the agricultural industry. The victims, after communicating via email…
Watch out for these FAKE TalkTalk emails about a refund Action Fraud has received over 100 reports this week about fake emails purporting to be from TalkTalk. The emails state that the recipient’s TalkTalk account is in credit and that…
Fraudsters send fake Virgin Media emails threatening “automatic disconnection” Action Fraud has received over 100 reports about fake emails that purport to be from Virgin Media. The emails threaten the recipient with “automatic disconnection” due to “invalid billing information”. The…
An ongoing TV Licensing phishing campaign, first identified by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) in September 2018, continues to be reported to Action Fraud in high numbers. Fraudsters are sending the public fake TV Licensing emails that are designed…
Applying For A Blue Badge? Trading Standards have been alerted to a website that is offering to assist with Blue Badge applications for a charge of £49 to residents. The website concerned has been appearing in google searches. This website…
