Protect Yourself From Scams

Crime Prevention Advice - 

 Parking & Parking App Scams

Fraudsters set up fake parking websites or apps that mimic legitimate services.  

Tip: Always download parking apps from official app stores and check reviews. Look for secure payment methods (credit card, not bank transfer).  

Bank & Financial Scams

Criminals impersonate banks, claiming urgent account issues.  

Tip: Banks will never pressure you to move money quickly. Hang up and call your bank using the official number on the back of your card.  

HMRC & Tax Scams

Fake texts or emails claim you owe tax or are due a refund.  

Tip: HMRC will never contact you via text for payments. Log in directly to your HMRC account to verify.  

TV Licence Scam

Emails or texts claim your licence has expired and ask for payment.  

Tip: Only pay via the official TV Licensing website. Check sender addresses carefully.  

Mobile Phone & SIM Card Scams

Fraudsters offer “new deals” or SIM swaps to steal your number.  

Tip: Contact your provider directly before accepting any offer. Never share security codes with callers.  

QR Code Scams

Fake QR codes placed on parking meters, posters, or emails redirect to malicious sites.  

Tip: Check QR codes physically attached to machines. If suspicious, pay via official apps or websites.  

Apple App Store Scams

Fake pop-ups or phishing emails ask for Apple ID login.  

Tip: Only enter credentials in the official Apple App Store. Enable two-factor authentication.  

Amazon Scams

Fake delivery texts or emails claim a parcel is held.  

Tip: Track orders only through your Amazon account. Avoid clicking links in texts.  

YouTube Scams

Fraudsters promote fake giveaways or investment schemes in video comments.  

Tip: Ignore requests for money or personal details. Report suspicious channels.  

Facebook Scams

Fake marketplace listings or cloned profiles trick users into sending money.  

Tip: Use secure payment methods (PayPal Goods & Services). Verify profiles before engaging.  

 General Prevention Tips

Pause before paying: Fraudsters rely on urgency.  

Check URLs: Look for spelling errors or unusual domains.  

Use strong passwords: Three random words plus two-factor authentication.  

Report scams: Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and texts to 7726.  

 Quick Reference Table

| Scam Type | Common Tactic | Prevention Tip |

|-------------------------|----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|

| Parking/App | Fake apps/websites | Download only from official stores |

| Bank | Urgent calls/texts | Call bank directly via official number |

| HMRC/Tax | Refund or fine claims | Verify via HMRC portal |

| TV Licence | Licence expiry notices | Pay only via official site |

| Mobile/SIM | Fake deals or SIM swaps | Contact provider directly |

| QR Code | Malicious redirects | Use trusted apps/websites |

| Apple App Store | Fake login prompts | Enable two-factor authentication |

| Amazon | Parcel delivery texts | Track via Amazon account |

| YouTube | Fake giveaways/investments | Ignore and report suspicious channels |

| Facebook | Marketplace fraud/cloned profiles | Use secure payment methods |