5 ways to guard against fraud…

1

BE WARY If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your bank, hang up, search for the company’s number online and call them directly. Scammers are able to change their caller ID, so be vigilant, even if it’s a number you recognise. Stay safe: Legitimate organisations won’t ask you to transfer money or ask you to say/type passwords. If you’re being asked for this, hang up, close the tab on your computer or delete messages.

2

LOVE BITES Be aware of romance fraudsters. On dating sites, fraudsters take on different identities using fake names and fake profile pictures, in the hope of scamming matches out of money. According to UK Finance, £18.5m was lost to romance scams in the first half of 2023, an increase of 26 per cent on the previous year. Stay safe: Never transfer money to people you’ve never

met.

3

ARE YOU DUE COMPENSATION? Following the PPI misselling scandal of the last decade, scammers worked overtime in sending out fake text messages offering compensation. Now motorists, in particular, are being targeted in the ongoing aftermath of the ‘Dieselgate’ scandal, as well as the growing scandal over car leasing payments. Stay safe: ‘Research the firm or individual offering compensation to verify their legitimacy,’ says Dom Watt, legal expert at First Vehicle Leasing. Look for reviews, check their website, and ensure they’re authorised by the relevant body.

4

IT’S IN THE POST! We all love shopping online, but be wary of messages saying that additional postage needs to be paid, or that you need to download a parcel-tracking app. Usually, the scammers are trying to get you to put your card details into a fraudulent website, or download an app or click a link that allows them to install spyware so they can steal your personal and banking details. Stay safe: Visit the Royal Mail website to check the list of current scams. If a message says you need to act today or lose your parcel, it’s probably a scam. Similar scams claiming to be from DPD, DHL, Evri (or its old name, Hermes) and Amazon are also common.

5

ENERGY SCAMS Consumer anxiety about the high cost of energy bills has left many householders vulnerable to ‘utility scams’. These involve scammers pretending to be from energy companies or regulators to get your money or personal information. They can use the availability of grants, promises of cheap energy, and energy-efficiency claims as tactics. Stay safe: Typical scams include a fraudster claiming to be from the regulator Ofgem.