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CURRENT SCAMS AND OTHER INFORMATION - MARCH 2025

 

Consumer scam alerts - Norfolk County Council   This website gives information on numerous scams that are currently circulating and on rogue traders.  

 

I am attaching a newsletter from Loan Sharks.  They are running two sessions in May. The links are below – places are on a first come, first serve basis.

 

Could you spot a loan shark? Tickets, Tue, May 13, 2025 at 10:30 AM | Eventbrite

 

Could you spot a loan shark? Tickets, Thu, May 22, 2025 at 2:30 PM | Eventbrite

 

Some of the most common frauds reported to Action Fraud by residents involve criminals connecting remotely to your computer/phone/digital device.

Never allow remote access to your computer following an unsolicited call, text, message, or browser pop-up.

Find out more at: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/remoteaccesstoolscams?fbclid=IwY2xjawJTkhpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcMJ1b6m6lMmeslUXWu1TtrE5HizSWem_9RaMMYiz9hZQvjYizOnVyYzjA_aem_qem-Aba1oywRaXs9m56nsw&sfnsn=scwspmo 

 

Vacation and travel scams trick travellers by promising things that aren’t real, offering fake services, or showing non-existent deals. These scams often target people during busy vacation planning times, when many are looking for flights, hotels, and travel options. 

Scammers use different methods, such as online ads and phony travel agencies, to get victims to trust them. In the end, victims may find themselves stranded or losing money. Scammers are always changing their tactics, so it's important to know their latest methods. Here are some common scams to watch for in 2025: 

  • Fake Travel Agencies – Some companies trick people by advertising great discounts on vacation packages. They collect payment upfront but then disappear without providing the service.
  • Hotel Booking Scams – Scammers create fake hotel booking sites or pretend to be real hotel brands, leaving travellers without a reservation when they arrive.
  • Timeshare Cons – High-pressure sales tactics trick people into buying timeshares that provide little or no value.
  • Vacation Rental Scams – Websites sometimes have fake listings for luxury rentals that appear cheap but are not real.
  • Free Trip Scams – Watch out for emails or calls that claim you’ve won a free vacation. You might end up paying hidden fees or have to share sensitive information.

    • Travel scams can occur anywhere, but certain locations are more vulnerable than others. Pay extra attention when planning trips to the following: 

  • Popular Tourist Destinations – Areas with high tourist traffic, such as major cities or beach resorts, are magnets for scams.
  • Remote or Lesser-Known Destinations – Some scammers take advantage of travellers who are not familiar with remote or exotic places.
  • Travel Hotspots During Peak Seasons – High-demand destinations during holidays and significant events attract fraudulent activity.

    • Imagine this scenario: You find an enticing deal for an exclusive beachside villa at half the usual cost listed on a well-known rental site. Without hesitation, you book it, eager for your upcoming getaway. Upon arrival, you discover the property doesn't exist, and the listing has disappeared from the website.

    Scams like this are increasingly common, targeting unsuspecting travellers eager to secure a deal. 

    Many scams happen in person, not just online. These offline scams often target tourists. For example, scammers might set up fake travel offices or sell fake tickets for attractions, tours, or transportation right on the street. Often, you will find travel agents setting up a booth at community events in the hope of luring in potential victims. 

    Online scams, however, do tend to offer a broader reach. These include: 

  • Phishing emails from impersonated travel agencies.
  • Fake listings on vacation rental platforms.
  • Fraudulent websites offer unrealistically cheap flights and hotels.

    • Spotting warning signs early can save you from financial loss. Keep these red flags in mind when making travel arrangements: 

  • Prices That Seem Too Good to Be True – Unbelievably cheap vacations are often scams. If an offer feels too enticing, proceed cautiously.
  • Unsolicited Invitations or Prizes – Be wary of calls or emails claiming you’ve won a trip you didn’t enter a contest for.
  • High-Pressure Tactics – Scammers insist you act immediately, giving you little time to verify their claims.
  • Lack of Transparency – Honest businesses clearly share their itineraries, receipts, and contact information. Scammers do not provide this information.
  • Payment Using Untraceable Methods – If you're asked to pay via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, chances are its fraud.

    • Two articles from Which:

    Deepfake phone calls: a quarter of scam calls in the UK are powered by AI - Which?

    https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/why-scammers-want-access-to-your-social-media-account-aNuBO3D2kuZr?utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=4564254-S_SA_EM_ProdBU__20250227&mi_u=220127316&mi_ecmp=S_SA_EM_ProdBU__20250227

     


    Angela Money BEM

    Chair of Newbury Neighbourhood Watch and

    Area Representative for West Berkshire Neighbourhood Watch

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    Angela Money BEM
    (West Berkshire Neighbourhood Watch, MSA, Thames Valley, West Berkshire)
    Neighbourhood Alert Cyber Essentials