Whether it’s an investment opportunity or a big event, you name it, our scammers will be there to catch your attention and ruin your noble plans.
Telegraph has identified the following top 10 scams to watch out for this 2014:
1. Rugby World Cup 2015
Selling fake Rugby World Cup 2015 tickets would most likely be the newest business of scammers which could start early this year. So please, if you are really serious about watching the games, buy your tickets only from the official Rugby World Cup 2015 website – rugbyworldcup.com and beware of agents offering cheaper/even same price ticket reservations where you can be a victim of fraud, guarantees and non-delivery.
2. Vishing
Vishing takes in two forms – one is the „courier“ type, and the other is the „no hang up“ style.
The „courier“ vishing version happens when a swindler, claiming to be a representative of a bank or police, calls you saying that somebody hacked into your account. You would then be convinced to have your card changed. The fraudster (who sometimes could even hire a genuine courier) finally picks up the card from your home providing a fake replacement. And yes, this will then be the part when the „courier“ will use your card for his own transactions!
The „no hang up“ version would advise the consumer to call the bank in order to fix the problem with his card, but beware coz this scam caller has a sophisticated way of staying on the line pretending to be the bank associate, and then will manipulate the consumer to transfer funds, withdraw money or provide security information.
Remember this: your bank will never call you to ask for your card details. If you get these kinds of calls, hang up and call the bank yourself using a different line.
3. Graphene
Graphene has just been developed and is one of the most promising new materials in technology today, which can be used in electrical circuits, batteries and display screens. Graphene will be commercially available in 2020. Scammers might use this opportunity to sell graphene that are not authentic. The public is also being warned by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to be aware of dubious investment opportunities in the material, just like what happened with the sale of carbon credits and other rare earth metals before.
Just last year, a caller from 02033273849,
claiming to be an alternative investment broker, tried to convince consumers to invest £4,000 in an oil well. Another used tactic of this same number was to offer an investment in fancy diamonds. One even confirmed that the caller used to represent Pure Carbon with which they invested and unfortunately got scammed.
4. PBX phone fraud
PBX or Private Branch Exchanges are telephone systems used by businesses which are particularly easy among fraudsters to target by using these other company’s lines to make their own international or premium rate calls. If your PBX has limited security features, they can also listen to your phone calls, steal or delete company data.
5. Slimming services and gyms
Complaints made to Citizens Advice include one slimmer who was told they would lose some inches from their waist if they use a slimming machine for 9 sessions. No effect was seen even after the first six sessions. Another complained of being canceled by their liposuction providers as the trader disappeared after just three sessions.
Moral of the story: Check the terms and conditions before signing up. Only deal with reputable and licensed businesses.
6. Bogus Royal Mail emails
Don’t download any zipped attachment unless you requested for it, that’s a warning coming from Royal Mail in response to the thousands of complaints received from victims of fake emails using „Royal Mail Group“ as its recipient.
7. Pension liberation fraud
No matter how financially desperate you are, don’t fall for these emails, text messages, calls or websites offering assistance to help you process the release of your pension fund before reaching 55. The Pensions Regulator said that this scheme is not possible in most cases and can just result to high tax charges and penalties.
In 2012, there were complaints on tellows regarding the number 01619610013 wherein a recorded message was offering £1000 of pension bonus.
8. Auction Sites
Before buying items from auction sites like eBay or Gumtree, you have to check the seller’s warranties and returns policy first, and as much as possible, avoid making direct payments to the seller. You may instead use PayPal, ProPay, Payment upon pickup, Bill Me Later, Skrill or credit card processed through the seller’s internet merchant account.
9. Jobs and training courses
This scheme takes advantage of the situation of people on low incomes, such as students, those searching for jobs, or those on benefits. Usually they offer paid training programs with the promise of a job in the end. Before confirming and paying for your participation, first have a look at the company’s details with Companies House or the internet, and don’t just rely on a mobile or PO Box numbers.
10. Phishing
This is an email from a scammer disguised as a representative from a bank or a well-known organization, asking you to click on a link that will then take you directly to a fake website that looks similar to the legit one. The fake website will then ask you to verify your personal security information. Next thing you knew, the fraudster has already taken advantage of your account.
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