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Latest Scams

Latest scam warnings

 

From fake Facebook profiles to suspiciously generous winter fuel payment offers, here are the latest scams to be aware of this week.

 

Fake train discounts

Several pages have appeared on social media advertising discounted rail fares for companies including ScotRail and Great Western Railway.

The copycat scams claim that the companies are celebrating an anniversary – offering a 12 month “ScotRail Smartcard” for only two pounds.

The posts boast that the buyer can get unlimited travel for one year if they click on the link to claim the offer.

However, clicking the link will likely result in malicious software being downloaded onto your device.

 

DVLA vehicle tax scam

Emails impersonating DVLA (the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) have been circulating, warning that you’re “overdue on your vehicle tax”.

Victims are then urged to click a suspicious link which allows them to check if their vehicle fits in with DVLA’s standards.

Which? Says that any emails received should be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk.

 

Winter fuel payment scam

People should also be aware of a scam text which offers a £300 winter fuel payment “to help people pay extra heating bills in cold weather”.

The text claims you must complete an application, after which you will receive a deposit into your bank account to ensure you “have a wonderful and warm winter”.

However, the link actually leads to a fake government website, designed to steal confidential details.

 

Superdrug impersonation email

Another scam circulating this January is an email impersonating the high-street beauty retailer Superdrug.

It offers a free Oral B electric toothbrush if you fill out a survey linked in the email.

Once again, it uses a malicious link to deceive people into providing their personal and financial details, allowing scammers to access their bank accounts.

Any scam websites should be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre.

It’s important to look out for clues such as spelling mistakes or fraudulent domain names before sending over any personal information online.

Have you lost money to a scam? Contact National Fraud Helpline. Call 0333 0033218 or fill out our Claim Form.