News

Over the last few weeks, a number of victims have been scammed by criminals claiming to be celebrities such as Aled Jones, Tom Jones, Elon Musk, and various others.

Fraudsters may contact you on social media or dating sites claiming to be a star or celebrity of screen, stage or the Pop music scene. They then ask to start a relationship, followed shortly later by requests for money to their own “Charity” or in one case a tempting offer of a holiday away with them – at your cost. In reality, are such celebrities going to contact someone out of the blue who they do not know?

In other cases, fake websites have been set up with fake product endorsements claiming to be from well-known figures.

How to avoid and report celebrity ad scams

When you see an advert online featuring a celebrity endorsement, there are a few questions you should ask yourself:

• Is the celebrity posting from their official profile or account? Or has the advert been posted by a genuine brand account? You can’t always trust a verification tick, but a quick check of the account posting an advert can usually confirm if it’s a fake account.

• Are you being asked to hand over money or personal information? Don't be tempted to give this information away without checking the authenticity of the advert.

• Check the web address: If you have clicked on an ad, look at the web address – is it the official site? If there are slight changes in spelling or errors, that’s a red flag for a scam.

• Never click on links if you are suspicious of the content of the website or message, and always research any schemes by checking official websites

Finally, do you think that this celebrity is likely to be endorsing that product, or wishing to start a relationship with someone they have never met?

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours

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If you’ve fallen for a scam,
report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk

Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take early action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks. You can also report Scam mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the scam caller’s phone number.

Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk

If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number - 159 - to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks

Following on from last week’s Fraud Update on Christmas Shopping scams, this week we are highlighting the scam emails, texts and cards claiming to come from bona fide delivery companies, but are not as they appear.

You have ordered goods from various online outlets and are perhaps now expecting multiple deliveries in the next few days. So, beware of any messages which may look as though they were sent from well-known delivery companies such as Royal Mail, DPD, Evri, and others.

These may claim that you have missed a delivery and either need to pay a fee for re-delivery, or just offer a clickable link for organising a re-delivery.

In the rush of the build up to Christmas it can be easy to drop your guard and click on that link, but just take a minute or two to think.

Did you expect a parcel via that courier, if you are unsure, go back to your original order or delivery notification and use the tracking details on the genuine company website to see when your parcel is coming. Never click on links in suspicious emails or texts however realistic they seem. This also applies to fake cards coming through your letterbox and claiming to be from Royal Mail.

Fraudulent links can take you to sites that capture your financial information and hand it over to criminals. Always access websites by typing them into the web browser and avoid clicking on links in emails.

Finally, criminals are also active in following delivery vans and stealing any parcels left on doorsteps when residents are not at home. Arrange a “Safe” delivery location with your supplier if you are out, or have it delivered to a neighbour if possible.

Do not let criminals spoil your Christmas.

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours
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Take Five to Stop Fraud

STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud

ALWAYS REMEMBER:
• Avoid disclosing security details
• Emails, Phone Calls and Texts may not be authentic
• Always make direct contact with any organisation by using a genuine phone number
• Stop and Challenge any unexpected requests
• Protect others by reporting Fraud and Scams
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If you’ve fallen for a scam,
report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk

Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take early action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks. You can also report Scam mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the scam caller’s phone number.

Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk

If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number - 159 - to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks.

Message Sent By
Michael Barbour
(Police, PSV, Economic Crime Unit – Fraud Protect’)