6 scams that are circulating and what you need to look out for

Figures released by the City of London Police showed the value of the number of reported investment frauds where victims referred to an online platform.

Some were lured in with direct messages, while others saw the scams advertised.

Superintendent Sanjay Andersen, from the City of London Police's National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, said: "Reports of investment fraud have increased significantly since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, which is unsurprising when you think the vast majority of us have had to conduct nearly every aspect of our lives on a computer or mobile phone.

"Being online more means criminals have a greater opportunity to approach unsuspecting victims with their scams.

"We would encourage anyone thinking about making an investment to do their research first. Visit the FCA's website and check and double check every detail before handing over your money or personal details."

We've rounded up the latest scams that are circulating and what you need to be aware of

Fake iTunes email

Cumbria Trading Standards took to social media to warn residents after seeing a rise in scam emails relating to iTunes.

The warning came after more than 300 reports of the scam have been disclosed to Action Fraud.

A spokesman for Cumbria Trading Standards reported on social media: "The “cancellation” links lead to phishing websites that steal login details as well as personal and financial information."

Anyone who received the email can report it to report@phishing.gov.uk.

Chartered Trading Standards Institute postal scam

A postal scam using fraudulent Chartered Trading Standards Institute branding is targetting the public.

CTSI has been made aware of a postal scam mimicking the institute, which informs the victim that they have been exposed to a company that CTSI has allegedly investigated.

The letter, which is covered in CTSI branding informs the recipient that insurance scammers have been caught and that the recipient should fill in a "creditors debt form" as part of a bogus compensation scheme. Filling out the form puts the finances of the respondent at risk.

The scam is currently being investigated.

These letters are entirely fraudulent. If you receive this insurance scam letter, please report it to the Financial Conduct Authority and for general help and advice, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline. The public should be aware that this scam may not only be sent via post but also through email.

HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds and Halifax bank customers

Banking customers at Barclays, Halifax, HSBC and Lloyds are being warned of new scams targeting their details.

Potential victims will receive fraudulent text messages from scammers.

The text message reads: “A payment was attempted from a NEW device and needs approval. If this was NOT you, please visit ______ to secure your account."

Another message will tell customers that they have "successfully added a new payee" prompting customers to share their details saying: "If this was not you, please visit ____ to secure your account."

The warning comes from Katherine Hart, a Lead Officer at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI).

She said: “I am witnessing so many reports of this scam; indeed, I have received multiple versions of it on my phone.

“The public is very vulnerable to this type of fraud, especially when more people rely on online payments.

“Fraudsters change the form and methods of their scams to match shifting consumer behaviour.

“The surge in online shopping and payments means that the public must be more vigilant when making online payments and receiving messages claiming to be from their bank.”

HMRC

Cumbria Trading Standards received the following information: “I received a voice mail supposedly from 020 3276 9589. The voice mail said they were HMRC and threatened me that if I did not press 1 on my phone a warrant would be issued and I would be arrested shortly! Naturally I have deleted the message and did not press any keypad numbers. My worry is for others, it was a bit scary for me too!”

The member of the Neighbourhood Watch did not respond to the scam and other are being advised to do the same.

Residents have been advised to have a chat with elderly and more vulnerable family, friends and neighbours about these scams to help keep them safe.

NHS vaccine scam

According to Trading Standards, people are reporting to have received a text message claiming to be from the NHS.

It reads: “We have identified that you are eligible to apply for your vaccine. For mor information and to apply, follow here.”

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) said that text messages had been sent out including links to fake NHS websites that asked recipients for bank details, supposedly for verification purposes.

Such messages were first reported at the end of December on the Western Isles of Scotland, but the CTSI says they are “by no means limited to the region”.

Katherine Hart, lead officer at CTSI, said: “The vaccine brings great hope for an end to the pandemic and lockdowns, but some only wish to create even further misery by defrauding others.

“The NHS will never ask you for banking details, passwords, or pin numbers and these should serve as instant red flags.”

Royal Mail

Royal Mail is warning the public over a worrying parcel scam doing the rounds across the UK.

The scam comes in the form of text messages and emails asking customers to make extra payments to ensure their package is delivered.

The message reads: “Your package has a £2.99 shipping fee, to pay this now visit…Actions will be taken if you do not pay this fee.”

The link will then take you to a replica of the Royal Mail website where scammers try to convince customers to hand over their details.

A number of variations of the Royal Mail scam is doing the rounds and the latest ones can be found on their website.

Eight men have been arrested following raids across England over a number of scam text messages duping victims out of cash during lockdown.

The suspects were allegedly involved in sending scam text messages, primarily posing as Royal Mail asking customers to pay a fee to retrieve a parcel for delivery.

Raids were carried out in London, Coventry, Birmingham and Colchester, a specialist unit of the City of London and Metropolitan Police said.