FRAUDULENT HOLIDAY OFFERS

This is that time of year when the media is full of tempting offers of holidays at home and abroad. These may also be landing in your email Inbox as well.

But just remember this is also a marketplace exploited by the fraudsters and criminals as well.

These offers are many and various, and range from fake caravan or motorhome listings to “too good to be true” offers for holidays, villa rentals and holiday lets. Criminals use a variety of methods to trick the public into handing over their money and personal information.

Always remember

Be suspicious of any “too good to be true” offers or prices – if it is at a rock bottom price - ask yourself why
Do your research before making any purchases by reading reviews of the site or person you are purchasing from. Before booking accommodation ask what checks the agent makes on both the landlord and advertised property.
Verify that the address exists through web searches and online maps.
Where possible, book directly with an established hotel or through a reputable travel company/agent that is a member of a trade body such as ABTA or ATOL.
If you do decide to book independently, establish if you are dealing with the property owner, a letting agent or via the local tourist information desk.
Ensure you read the terms and conditions before making any bookings to confirm exactly what you are being sold. Double-check both your travel and accommodation information, particularly if there is a long gap between making the booking and arrival.
Always use the secure payment options recommended by reputable online travel providers. Beware of any requests for payments in cash, or bank transfers via Moneywise or Western Union which may be difficult to trace or gain any refunds
Where possible, use a credit card when making purchases over £100 and up to £30,000 as you receive protection under Section 75 rules
Always access the website you are purchasing from by typing it into your web browser and be wary of clicking on links in unsolicited emails. The website should use the padlock symbol to indicate that the site is secure.
Do not click on links or attachments in social media posts or emails
Question uninvited approaches and contact organisations directly to confirm requests using a known email or phone number
Only give out your personal or financial information to services you have consented to, and are expecting to be contacted by.
Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours

Harmless activities on social media are fun to do, and you enjoy knowing how others react to your posts and sharing your family pictures, activities, and memories.

It may make you feel special when many people react to your posts, share them on their profiles and follow you. However not all details remain confined to your immediate connection but may get shared with a chain of “friends”.

So, this Christmas, when you share all the news and images of your social life, always think twice about who you want to see it.

Whilst all these posts are harmless and fun for your real friends and everything you post may be seemingly harmless and unimportant, to the criminal and fraudster it is a treasure trove from which they can harvest so much personal detail to build up a persona which may come back to scam you later.

How to protect yourself?

Set up unique and secure passwords that you have not used on other personal accounts
Applying Multi factor Authentication to your accounts gives added protection
Review your Friends list and Connections to avoid any security risks
Always remember to Log Out
Finally, think before you post and always remain vigilant.
Do not let criminals spoil your Christmas.

ACTION FRAUD HAS CHANGED

As from the beginning of December, the new service is called REPORT FRAUD and replaces Action Fraud and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau.

This is aimed to make reporting cyber crime and fraud easier and quicker and provide more feedback to victims.

The contact details are listed below for your information.

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

If you have been a victim of fraud

Report it to REPORT FRAUD on 0300 123 2040 or via reportfraud.police.uk

Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take prompt action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks.

You can also report fraudulent mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the fraudster’s phone number.

Scam calls received on WhatsApp can be blocked by opening the chat with the suspect phone number and tap on “Block”.

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.