Scams

People are being urged to look out for these three cost of living scams as fraudsters move in to exploit the crisis. Official government payments are usually automatic so if you get a request for information then it could be a scam.

https://www.kentlive.news/news/cost-of-living/dwp-martin-lewis-ofgem-issue-7334830?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar

The cost of living crisis and soaring gas and electricity bills mean many of us are being contacted about energy more frequently.

https://metro.co.uk/2022/07/04/cost-of-living-scams-to-look-out-for-and-how-to-be-extra-careful-16927002/?ito=article.desktop.share.top.twitter

Britain has been called the fraud capital of the world after scammers tricked victims out of a record £584m last year, with scams which start on WhatsApp up by a staggering 2000%. 66-year-old Angela Briscoe was the victim of what is being dubbed ‘the mum and dad WhatsApp scam’, when fraudsters impersonated her son and messaged her to ask for money. Believing it really was her son who was travelling in Mexico at the time, Angela transferred nearly £10,000 to the scammers - the only savings she had. Although she has been able to claim some of the money back, Angela is still thousands of pounds out of pocket. She joins us today to tell her story and warn others about WhatsApp scams.

https://www.itv.com/thismorning/articles/whatsapp-scams-i-was-conned-out-of-my-life-savings

THE DVLA has issued an urgent warning to be alert for a sophisticated new scam which could see your bank account emptied.

https://www.express.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/1627632/dvla-urgent-scam-warning-britons-could-lose-thousands

Whatsapp users are being warned about a scam which claims to be giving away free Heineken.

https://www.deeside.com/warning-over-whatapp-scam-that-claims-to-be-giving-away-free-heineken-for-fathers-day/

Action Fraud, which collects reports of fraud on behalf of the police, has issued a warning for people to beware of fake text messages claiming to be from Ofgem, the energy regulator, which offers bogus £400 rebates. But this is a scam and you should not reply to it.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2022/06/warning--watch-out-for-fake-text-messages-from-ofgem-offering-yo/

Over 40 million people have been targeted by fraudsters this year, figures from Citizens Advice have revealed.

https://news.stv.tv/scotland/scammers-using-cost-of-living-crisis-to-target-people-charities-warn

Cyber crime police in North Wales have warned about a B&Q Father’s Day competition scam that appears to be doing the rounds.

https://www.deeside.com/north-wales-police-cyber-crime-team-issue-warning-about-scam-bq-fathers-day-competition/

The UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, Action Fraud, has issued a warning to consumers over fake text message scams which claim to be from energy regulator Ofgem offering a £400 discount on bills.

https://www.finance-monthly.com/2022/06/action-fraud-warns-of-energy-rebate-scam/

Pimfa has called for the Financial Conduct Authority to be given the power to direct Ofcom to act over potentially fraudulent online adverts.

https://www.ftadviser.com/regulation/2022/05/30/fca-should-be-able-to-direct-ofcom-on-scam-ads-says-pimfa/