Be aware of cost of living scams
Please beware of current scams pretending to help you with the cost of living:
Energy saving plugs
Please beware of posts on social media claiming a plug-in box can save you money by making household appliances work more efficiently. There are also similar claims you can drive down your usage by putting in a “voltage regulator” that can cut your costs by almost a third. These plug-in devices are sold for less than £10, but many fail basic UK safety standards and can pose a fire risk.
Remember- Never buy anything from an unknown source. Always buy from reputable retailers and those recommended by trusted consumer groups.
Winter fuel or cost of living payment scams
Scam texts are being sent claiming to offer winter fuel or cost of living payments.
These messages include a link to a fake website asking for bank details or a £1 admin fee.
Remember:
- don’t click the link
- don’t share your details
- don’t pay any fees
Please help protect vulnerable relatives, friends, and neighbours by reminding them never to respond to these messages.
Remember - you do not need to apply for Winter Fuel Payments – they are sent automatically to eligible people.
Fake TV Licensing emails
The consumer group Which? has shared a warning about emails claiming to be from TV Licensing telling you that your direct debit payment has been declined.
It shows you a link to update this, which will most likely lead to a site impersonating TV Licensing to get you to fill in your personal details.
Scam emails can be reported by forwarding them to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Suspicious websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre.
Scam ‘closing down’ sale ads online
Please beware of scam ads claiming to hold closing down sales – you may end up paying a high price for a low-quality item that doesn't match the photos.
Before you buy from a new site, you should check for:
- a real UK address on their website
- a return policy that's easy to find
- reviews on an independent site like Trustpilot
Fake investment scams
Scammers will offer you fake opportunities for investments and convince you to spend your money in markets such as cryptocurrencies. They can make fake investment firms seem legitimate by setting up clone websites of real companies using their details and official branding.
Don’t engage in conversations with an investment company that contacts you out of the blue.
Check for language such as ‘guaranteed returns’ and offers on ‘high returns’ as scammers can try to pressure you with a deadline and may call you repeatedly to make an investment quickly. Don’t get rushed into making a decision.
Never give money or bank details to anyone you don’t know, have just met or haven’t met in person. If you met someone on a dating platform , or have been asked to share personal information by someone you met recently, be wary. Scammers can use fake relationships to convince you to share your personal data or invest in a scam company
Visit the Financial Conduct Authority’s website to confirm if an investment company is registered with them and check if it has been reported as a scam. You should also contact the company using the official details on the FCA website, so you know you are speaking to the right people
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