Fake appeals for help
Social media message about some disaster or a lost person are used to collect large number of likes (comments are usually turned off)
The fake message is then changed to something else such as an investment scam. The large number of likes give credibility to a dodgy message.
Don’t share such messages unless they originate from an official source such as the police.
Pig Butchering
What a horrible term but it’s the name that has been given to romance fraud – fraudsters fatten up the victim before executing the fraud. After grooming over a period of time the victim is encouraged to lend / give their savings to their supposed romantic partner.
One UK victim, a former Somerset police officer, lost £107k to such a scam, believing she was investing in retirement apartments in Cyprus.
If you are participating in an online romantic exchange, involve a trusted friend who may help you to see the wood from the trees and avoid being misled by your heart.
Pay Pal scam
This often involves receiving a fake payment request but from a genuine PayPal account. In some cases an email states that your account has been compromised and gives a number to call – directly to the scammers.
Don’t pay an invoice you don’t already know about and ensure that you call an official number that you have identified yourself
Fake App alert
Sometimes fake Apps are promoted which are available on the Apple and Google App Stores which can install malware on your phone.
Check the developers name before installing to check out other apps they have. Also look for reviews elsewhere. Be careful what you allow the app to do (e.g. access to your camera etc.).
Whilst we all feel we are unlikely to be caught out by any of these scams, people do get caught so we should always be on high alert when using the internet. Come to our Community Police Event on the 28th June.