Scam Watch !
Each month we'll highlight some current scams to look-out for:
1. Fake QR Codes in eMails & Car Parks
- Scammers are increasingly using fake QR codes to trick you.
- This kind of scam asks you to scan a QR Code - usually with your mobile phone camera - to perform urgent tasks, such as confirming a payment or verifying your account details.
- Doing so takes you to a fake website where the scammers will ask for your Personal Details.
- This form of scamming is also used at Car Parks; where scammers place their fake QR Codes over the legitimate ones already on the Payment Machines.
- The basic rule for avoiding fake QR codes is always the same as for any scam: be extremely suspicious about any unexpected email(s) that ask you to urgently perform an action.
- After scanning a QR Code, check the URL (web site address) that appears on your screen looks genuine. The web site address scanners built into Android and iOS mobile phones do a fair job at blocking suspicious Codes.
2. Register To Vote Emails
- In late January, scam emails supposedly from the Electoral Registration Officer claimed that you needed to prove your identity to remain eligible to Vote.
- It asked for documents such as your Passport; and came from the email address: electoral@register-to-vote.electoral.agency
- Remember our anti-scam mantra....it's ok to just:
'Delete First; Ask Questions Later'
3. 'Upgrade Your Landline' BT Scammers
- Scammers posing as BT staff are phoning customers to ask them to confirm their Personal and Payment information; so they can upgrade their Landline to digital.
- To persuade you they're genuine, they'll know your name and address. If you refuse, they'll threaten to disconnect your Landline, which they claim will also cut your internet connection.
- According to Which?, the fraudsters add a sense of urgency by claiming the deadline is fast approaching. In May last year, BT pushed this back to the end of January 2027.
- Scammers will probably try repeating this scam throughout this year, changing the deadlines to keep adding urgency.
4. £3 Great Western Railway ' UK Annual Pass'
- If you travel on GWR trains be aware of a Facebook advertisement promising a 'UK Annual Pass' that would give me unlimited travel for just £3.
- Clicking the link takes you to a fake but similar to the Official GWR web page that asks for your Personal Details.
- GWR have confirmed it's a well-known scam that's been around for about a year.
Remember: 'If it seems too good to be true, it usually is !'
See our more detailed article on 'Avoid Being Scammed'
HTS are happy to answer any Questions or to help you.