Beat the scammers - The latest scams fraudsters use to rip you off

Scammers are constantly thinking up new ways to part you with your hard earned cash. Don't get caught out!
Delays continue following the serious collisionDelays continue following the serious collision
Delays continue following the serious collision

These are the latest scams, based on information released by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau that many people across the country, including Sussex, have reported. Be alert to them, and any other suspicious emails you receive.

Banking customers targeted by Smishing

Reports have been received of victims receiving text messages, claiming to be from their banks, advising them that new direct debits have been set up. The messages ask customers to contact the bank on a number provided if these haven’t been authorised.

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When the victim contacts the “bank” they are asked to provide personal details which allow fraudsters to take control of the account.

You should only call your bank using a number from a bank statement or a verified source, not a text message.

Fake and copycat websites

Legitimate looking websites continue to dupe people out of money. From fake antivirus software sites, to websites claiming to be the DVLA or other official bodies, cloned sites are one of the most common kinds of online fraud.

Some victims have reported applying to change details on driving licences, only to be directed to a bogus site which charges for this free service.

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Only search for info on Government services via the official www.gov.uk site, and for driving licences specifically, official info can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving/driving-licences

Adele fans predicted to be targeted by ticketing fraudsters

Tickets for Adele’s upcoming concerts are being resold online for as much as £25,000, but buying or attempting to buy tickets from unofficial sources leaves you vulnerable to ticket fraud.

Online ticket fraud rose by 55 per cent last year. Follow these tips from Action Fraud to avoid getting ripped off:

Buy tickets only from the venue box office, promoter, official agent or reputable ticket exchange sites.

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Remember that paying by credit card offers greater protection than with other methods in terms of fraud, guarantees and non-delivery.

Double check all details of your ticket purchase before confirming payment.

Do not reply to unsolicited emails from sellers you don’t recognise.

Before entering payment card details on a website, ensure that the link is secure, in three ways:

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There should be a padlock symbol in the browser window frame, which appears when you attempt to login or register. Be sure that the padlock is not on the page itself ... this will probably indicate a fraudulent site.

The web address should begin with ‘https://’. The ‘s’ stands for ‘secure’.

If using the latest version of your browser, the address bar or the name of the site owner will turn green.

Ensure any third-party payment services (such as WorldPay) are secure before you make your payment.

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Safeguard and remember the password you have chosen for the extra verification services used on some websites, such as ‘Verified’ by Visa.

In the event that you choose to buy tickets from an individual (for example on eBay), never transfer the money directly into their bank account but use a secure payment site such as PayPal, where money is transferred between two electronic accounts.

Check sellers’ privacy policy and returns policy.

Always logout of sites into which you have logged in or registered details. Simply closing your browser is not enough to ensure privacy.

Keep receipts.

Check credit card and bank statements carefully after ticket purchase to ensure that the correct amount has been debited, and also that no fraud has taken place as a result of the transaction.

Santander “Click Safe”

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This official-looking scam involves emails sent to customers purporting to be from Santander, which are designed to steal your personal information.

Communications from Santander will always be addressed to you directly, rather than a generic ‘Dear Customer’. If you’re still not sure - don’t respond! Contact your bank over the phone using a number from your bank statement.

Ebay “Your order has been despatched today”

There are various scams circulating relating to fake Ebay order dispatches. Make sure and check your URL is actually pointing to Ebay.co.uk before putting in any bank or paypal details.

Follow official Ebay advice on securing your account if you have any questions http://pages.ebay.co.uk/help/account/securing-account.html.

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If you receive any of these emails, report it to Action Fraud, the National Fraud and Cybercrime Reporting Service. Make sure and share this article with any friends or relatives you think could be vulnerable to cybercrime.

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