Father’s Day Scams 2026: How to Spot Fake Deals and Protect Your Dad’s Day

With Father’s Day just round the corner on Sunday 21 June, many of us are frantically hunting for the perfect way to show our dads, grandads, or father figures some appreciation. Whether it’s a luxury hamper, tickets to a football match, or just a classic tech gadget, the rush to buy can sometimes cloud our judgment.

Unfortunately, scammers know exactly how to exploit our generosity. Cyber criminals love a calendar milestone, and Father’s Day is prime time for phishing emails, fake social media ads, and delivery scams.

To help you protect your wallet while treating your dad, here is a breakdown of the most common Father's Day scams doing the rounds in the UK right now, and exactly how to avoid them.

1. The "Too Good to Be True" Social Media Ads

You’re scrolling through Facebook or Instagram and see an advert for a top-tier branded watch, a luxury leather wallet, or a premium whiskey set at 70% off. The ad claims it’s a "Father’s Day Flash Sale" and includes a countdown timer to pressure you into buying.

• The Trap: Clicking the link takes you to a beautifully designed website that looks completely legitimate. In reality, it’s a spoofed site. Best case scenario? You receive a cheap, dangerous counterfeit product weeks later. Worst case? They pocket your cash, steal your card details, and never send a thing.

• How to Avoid It: Always buy directly from trusted high-street brands or verified online retailers. If you haven’t heard of the website before, check their reviews on independent sites like Trustpilot. Remember the golden rule: if a deal looks too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

2. The Fake "Missed Delivery" Text (Smishing)

Once you’ve ordered a gift, you will likely be waiting on a parcel delivery from Evri, DPD, Royal Mail, or Amazon. Scammers use automated bots to send out thousands of blanket text messages pretending to be these couriers.

• The Trap: You get a text saying your package cannot be delivered due to an "incomplete address" or an "outstanding shipping fee" of £1.50. Out of panic that Dad's gift won’t arrive on time, you click the link and enter your banking details to pay the tiny fee.

• How to Avoid It: Real delivery firms will never text you out of the blue asking for money or personal details via a random link. Track your parcels directly inside the official app of the retailer you bought from, or type the courier's official web address manually into your browser.

3. WhatsApp "Hi Mum/Hi Dad" Scams

This is an incredibly cruel psychological trick that targets parents directly, rather than the gift-buyers.

• The Trap: A father receives a WhatsApp message from an unknown number starting with something like: "Hi Dad, I've dropped my phone down the loo so I'm using a temporary number. I'm in a bit of a panic because I have an urgent bill to pay today and my banking app is locked on this phone. Can you transfer £800 to this account for me?"

• How to Avoid It: If you are a dad who receives a message like this, stop and challenge it. Never send money to a "new number" without calling your child on their original number first to verify it’s actually them. If they don't answer, ask the person on WhatsApp a specific question only your child would know the answer to.

Your 4-Step "Stop Fraud" Checklist

Before you click "Buy" or tap a link this month, run through this quick security checklist:

1.Check the URL securely:Takes 10 seconds.

Look closely at the web address. Scammers often use subtle typos like amazon-deals-uk.com or v0dafone.co.uk to trick you into thinking you are on a real brand's page.

2.Use a protected payment method:Before checkout.

Never pay via a direct bank transfer to an online shop you don't know. Always use a credit card or secure third-party services like PayPal, which offer buyer protection if things go wrong.

3.Inspect the website's small print:Before entering data.

Legitimate UK businesses are required by law to have clear terms and conditions, a privacy policy, and a physical returns address. If these pages are missing or full of spelling mistakes, close the tab.

4.Report anything suspicious:Post-browsing.

If you spot a scam, flag it to the authorities to prevent others from falling victim.

What to do if you've been targeted:

If you think you've accidentally given your details to a scammer, contact your bank immediately using the number on the back of your card.

You should also report any fraud or cyber crime to Report Fraud (the UK's national reporting centre) via their website or by calling 0300 123 2040. Suspicious texts can be forwarded to 7726 for free, and phishing emails can be sent to report@phishing.gov.uk.

Let's keep Father's Day about celebrating our dads—not funding cyber criminals. Happy shopping, and stay safe online!

Don’t Get Caught Offside: How to Dodge World Cup Ticket Scams

With the World Cup finally on the horizon, football fever is officially sweeping the nation. Every fan up and down the country is dreaming of being there in the stands, soaking up the atmosphere, and cheering on the lads.

But as the scramble for seats reaches a frantic peak, there’s a darker side to the beautiful game. Ruthless online fraudsters are working overtime, preying on our desperation for a ticket. If you aren’t careful, you could end up losing hundreds of pounds—and your chance of seeing history in the making.

Here is what you need to look out for, and how to make sure your World Cup dream doesn't turn into a proper nightmare.

The Red Flags: What to Look For

Scammers have become incredibly sophisticated, often setting up slick, professional-looking websites or social media profiles that look identical to official platforms. However, they almost always leave a few tell-tale clues:

• Bank Transfer Demands: If a seller insists you pay via direct bank transfer (or cryptocurrency), walk away immediately. Once that money leaves your account, it is gone forever.

• "Too Good to Be True" Prices: It’s a high-stakes World Cup match—tickets are like gold dust. If someone is offering prime category seats at face value or just a bit over, ask yourself why.

• Vague Seat Details: Legitimate sellers should be transparent about what they are offering. Under the UK's Consumer Rights Act 2015, online ticket resellers are legally required to provide specific details, such as the exact block, row, and seat number. If they refuse to give you these details, it's a massive red flag.

• High-Pressure Tactics: Statements like "I have five other people messaging me right now, buy it in the next 5 minutes or I'm selling to them" are classic psychological tricks designed to make you act before you think.

How to Protect Yourself

You don't need to miss out on the action, but you do need to play it safe. Follow these golden rules to keep your money secure:

1. Stick Strictly to Official Channels

The only 100% guaranteed way to get real World Cup tickets is directly through the official FIFA ticketing portal or authorised national football association packages.

2. Check for the STAR Logo

If you do decide to look at secondary ticket marketplaces or specialised travel operators, always check if they are a member of STAR (The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers).

STAR is the leading self-regulatory body for the entertainment ticketing industry in the UK. When you buy from a STAR member, you are protected by a strict Code of Practice. This ensures you are buying from a verified source, that you will be told the face value of the ticket upfront, and that you have a clear route for refunds if things go wrong. Look for the STAR logo on the website, or verify the company directly on their official site (star.org.uk).

3. Use a Credit Card

Whenever you buy tickets online, always pay using a credit card if possible. Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, your card provider protects purchases over £100. This means if the tickets turn out to be fake or never arrive, you can usually get your money back from your bank. Avoid debit cards, and never, ever use bank transfers or apps like Revolut or Wise to pay unverified individuals.

🚨 Already Been Scammed?

If you think you've been targeted by a ticket fraudster, don't stay silent. Report it immediately to Action Fraud (the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre) at actionfraud.police.uk or call them on 0300 123 2040. You should also contact your bank right away—the quicker you act, the higher the chance they can freeze the fraudulent transaction.

Let's look out for each other this tournament. Keep your wits about you, verify before you buy, and let’s make sure the only losses we suffer this World Cup are (hopefully not!) on the pitch.

Local Priorities Theft From Motor Vehicle Message - MetEngage West Heath

I wanted to provide an update regarding theft from motor vehicles, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey.

Dear resident,
Just to make you aware that there have been two reports of thefts of catalytic converters on the ward:

Brabourne Crescent – 5th June between 1945 and 2000 hours.
New Road – 4th June between 2015 and 2030 hours.

Enquiries are ongoing.

Having personal items stolen from your vehicle is an upsetting experience, and we are determined to find and arrest those who break the law. We will keep you updated with what we are doing to tackle this in your area, but in the meantime, please follow the below advice to help protect your belongings.  

• Check that your vehicle is locked and secure every time you leave it. Thieves often look for easy opportunities to steal from vehicles. They will usually try the handles until they get lucky and find one that has been left unlocked.  

• Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home and away from your front door.  

• If you have a keyless entry vehicle, keep the key well away from the vehicle while at home and turn off wireless signals on your fob when it’s not being used. Consider putting the keys in a screened or signal blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check that it is still working every few months.  

• Remove all items from view by taking them with you or putting them in the boot out of sight. Thieves will look for any items on display. Things like clothes, documents or an old bag might not seem like valuables, but they could still tempt a thief. Ensure you remove all other clues there might be valuables linked to the car, such as phone chargers or sat-nav mounts.  

• Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you do not have access to one, try to park in a well –lit open space.  

• Try to use public car parks that are part of the police approved Park Mark safer parking scheme.  

• Secure your number plates with tamper resistant screws to avoid them being stolen and used by others. 

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.  

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

 

 We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years.

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/454404/Local-Priorities-Theft-From-Motor-Vehicle-Message 

Local Priorities Burglary Message - MetEngage St Marys and St James

I wanted to provide you with an update regarding burglary, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey.

 

Burglary COLD BLOW CRESCENT

On Saturday 6th June at approximately 23:04hrs a neighbour reported hearing banging noises coming from next doors property. On looking out, saw a torch shinning inside. The rear patio door had been smashed, and two suspects were seen leaving the address. An untidy search of the property was carried out. At this stage, it is unclear whether any items have been stolen.

While we will continue to pursue burglars in the area, there are steps you can do to help keep your property safe. Make sure that you:  

• Double lock your door every time you leave the house  

• If you can, move garden furniture or bins away from windows so that thieves cannot use them to gain access.  

• Use laminated glass or security film on ground floor and accessible windows.  

• Use a sash stop if you have sash windows to prevent people opening them enough to climb through.  

• If your windows open outwards, use a key operated lock – check these are locked before leaving the house.  

• Make sure all valuables are out of sight. 

• Keep handbags and keys away from letterboxes or cat flaps.  

• In the evening shut the curtains and leave lights on.  

• Set your burglar alarm 

• Lock your  shed or garage 

• Mark, register or record your valuables. 

Please go to our website to find the latest advice and guidance on keeping yourself safe.

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.  

Get Involved

Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on.  Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 

Please click here to complete the survey

 

We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years.

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/454317/Local-Priorities-Burglary-Message 

Car Vehicle Crime - MetEngage Barnehurst

This is to keep you all updated with what has been happening across the Ward. Unfortunately, we are reporting that there have been four vehicle crime incidents recently.

These incidents include:

Theft of an Audi

Theft of a work van

Theft of two catalytic converters

We are hoping this is not a sign of things to come across the Ward, however we would ask residents to remain vigilant and take extra precautions where possible.

 

We know the personal and financial impact of having a car or bike stolen, which is why we will pursue and arrest those who break the law. We will continue to provide you updates on how we are tackling this issue in your local area, but in the meantime, please consider taking the following steps to keep your vehicle safe:  

• Check that your vehicle is locked and secure every time you leave it. Thieves often look for easy opportunities to steal from vehicles. They will usually try the handles until they get lucky and find one that has been left unlocked.  
• Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home and away from your front door.  
• If you have a keyless entry vehicle, keep the key well away from the vehicle while at home and turn off wireless signals on your fob when its not being used. Consider putting the keys in a screened or signal blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check that it is still working every few months. 
• Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you don’t have access to one, try to park in a well –lit open space. 
• Try to use public car parks that are part of the police approved Park Mark safer parking scheme.  
• Secure your number plates with tamper resistant screws to avoid them being stolen and used by others. 

Full advice and guidance on this, and other crime types is available on the Metropolitan Police website.

We hope the information above is useful and addresses to some degree the concerns that you have raised. If you have experienced this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. 

 

 We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years.

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/453982/Car-Vehicle-Crime 

Local Priorities Shoplifting Message - MetEngage Sidcup

I wanted to provide you an update regarding Shoplifting, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey.

Some good news!

One male was arrested today by the team on Cray Road, Sidcup.

The male was wanted in connection with one assault and six theft offences from Boots, with stolen goods valued at approximately £1,800.

Following the arrest, officers also carried out a search of his home address as part of the ongoing investigations.

Shoplifting is a crime that can have a substantial negative impact on local businesses across London. If you notice anything suspicious or witness anyone shoplifting, please report it as soon as possible. These reports are invaluable in letting us build a picture of when and where shop lifters operate, meaning we can be in the right place at the right time to arrest those responsible. 

 

For more guidance, see our page on how to spot a shoplifter.

 

We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years.

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/453100/Local-Priorities-Shoplifting-Message

The Police Local Priorities Dangerous driving / speeding Message - MetEngage Crook Log

I wanted to provide you with an update regarding dangerous driving and speeding, which some members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey.

Dear Residents,

Crook Log SNT conducted a speed operation on HUDSON ROAD today which resulted in no stops

If there are any streets that you would like us to do a speed operation on, could you please let us know

Kind Regards,

Crook Log SNT

If someone is driving a motor vehicle, they should always be doing so in a safe and considerate manner. Even momentary lapses in judgement can have life changing or devastating consequences for those in the vehicle or innocent bystanders. 

 

Activities such as street racing, cruising or performing tricks can count as anti-social behaviour. If you are concerned about this in your area, visit our website for the latest guidance and how you can report this. You can also report dangerous driving in your area. 

 

We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years.

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/453306/Local-Priorities-Dangerous-driving--speeding-Message