How to protect yourself as scams keep coming
I’d just finished writing this column about the latest scams when I was contacted about a new one – which just goes to show how quickly scammers speed in to action when an opportunity presents itself.
This scam targeted people on WhatsApp with a Father’s Day offering of a cooler full of beer that you claimed by clicking on a link.
Lots of people I speak to tell me they assume because WhatsApp is encrypted, scammers can’t target them. But it is possible to ‘spoof’ or use malware to make a number look like it’s from a friend or family member. When you click on the link, the fraudsters try to pinch your data.
Scams are big business – and the sheer number of fraudsters means it’s increasingly hard for the police to investigate them. But there are ways you can fight back.
The fabulous Stop Scams UK launched a new number last year that you can call if you suspect a fraudster is trying to trick you by pretending to be your bank.
If you are called by someone claiming to be from the bank, or asked to transfer money, hang up, dial 159 and you’ll be connected to your bank. The scheme covers almost all the banks in the UK and is simple and free to use. Over 100,000 people have already used it to beat the fraudsters.
Schemes like this matter because £470m was stolen last year by fraudsters pretending to be from banks or other official organisations. So what else to you need to watch out for?
PAYPAL FRIENDS AND FAMILY
I’m hearing from increasing numbers of people who have been tricked into paying for goods or services by using PayPal’s ‘Friends and Family’ option.
By using this service you can avoid paying a fee, but Friends and Family payments are basically a money transfer and therefore are not covered by PayPal’s buyer/ seller protection schemes.
PayPal says you should never use this method of payment unless you are sending money to an actual friend or family member.
POST AND DELIVERY TEXTS
Back with a vengeance in the last few weeks is the fake postal delivery company message.
The scam works because many of us have items on order that might be due to be delivered soon.
The text or email says your parcel could not be delivered and invites you to follow a link. You’ll be asked to either pay a minor postal charge (giving away your bank details) or enter personal details (after which the information is used to crack your online accounts).
UNABLE TO MAKE A PAYMENT SCAMS
The days of badly spelled emails from foreign princes wanting to let money ‘rest’ in your account are long gone. The latest email scams are ultra-convincing.
Many purport to be from retailers, banks or other official organisations, notifying you that a payment has failed and to log in to the account to sort out the problem. These emails are so convincing I nearly fell for one from (fake) PayPal.
They work because we are all busy and distracted – and click on a link without thinking. If you do this, change all your passwords ASAP and notify your bank and card providers.
WHAT IF YOU GET SCAMMED?
A new scheme has been launched through Citizens Advice to advise people who have been tricked out of their cash or are concerned that they’ve been exposed to a scam.
It’s a free service, so share the link with everyone you know – citizensadvice.org.uk/scamsaction/
If you have transferred money or given access to your accounts, then contact your bank ASAP via 159 or by calling the number on the back of your card (hang up on anyone who calls you direct).
The sooner you seek help, the better your chances are of getting your cash back. The Financial Ombudsman will look at fraud claims that get turned down too – so don’t give up!
■ For all of my guides, tips and columns, check out resolver.co.uk