Drivers tricked into signing up for expensive subscriptions

Scammers are hijacking search results for parking apps and QR codes to defraud drivers out of £40 monthly payments as they try to pay for parking. After we were alerted to one scam website, we decided to investigate. Here's what we found.

Parking app scam

Source: Which? (11 Aug 2023)

'An Amazon delivery driver tricked me and stole my new phone'

For some purchases, Amazon sends you a six-digit one-time password (OTP) ahead of your delivery, which you must read out to your courier before they hand over your parcel. These codes are designed to give you peace of mind that high-value purchases will arrive safely. We helped a Which? magazine reader who got in touch after falling victim to a one-time password scam.

If you use Amazon, find out more about how the system works alongside tips if you have a problem with an OTP delivery.

Delivery scams

Source: Which? (15 Aug 2023)

Beware of Facebook Scam Email Claiming Your Account Will Be Closed

This is a scam. Facebook will never send you an email with a link like that, asking you to verify your account. If you click on the link, it will take you to a fake website that looks like Facebook. The scammers will then steal your login information.

Scam on BBNWA Facebook Page! - click image to view enlarged

Here are some tips to help you avoid Facebook scams:

• Never click on links in emails from people you don't know.
• If you're not sure if an email is from Facebook, go to Facebook directly and log in to your account.
• Be suspicious of any emails that ask you to verify your account or update your personal information.
• If you're ever unsure about something, contact Facebook directly through their website or app.

Beware and keep vigilant. Think before you click!

Electoral Commission falls victim to cyber attack: is your data affected?

The Electoral Commission says it has fallen victim to a ‘complex cyber-attack’ where the hackers could access ‘reference’ copies of electoral registers, which are used for research purposes and checks on political donations.

Learn more about this cyber attack and whether it may have impacted your personal data.

Is your data at risk?

Source: Which? (8 Aug 2023)

Lloyds Bank issues warning as online football ticket scams double

The biggest football matches are always in high demand – and fraudsters regularly exploit fans who can't successfully get tickets via official channels.

Ahead of the new Premier League season kicking off this week, Lloyd's Bank has released new data showing football ticket scams doubled in the 2022-23 season, with fans losing an average of £154.

Discover how football ticket scams work and which club’s fans are most commonly targeted.

Football ticket scams

Source: Which? (5 Aug 2023)

Shoppers targeted by copycat websites impersonating Joules

Scammers are impersonating clothing retailer Joules in dodgy adverts on Facebook, which promise discounts of up to 80%. But here's the thing: if you click on the links provided, you'll end up on convincing copycat websites, where you'll be encouraged to buy items – giving the scammers your bank details in the process.

See our examples of these fake ads and URLs so you can watch out for them.

Spotting scam sites

Source: Which? (8 Aug 2023)

DVLA Online Services - Tips for staying safe online

DVLA offers a variety of online services that are quick, easy, and often free to use. However, it is important to be aware of fraudulent activity that may target these services.

Tips for staying safe online

• Only use GOV.UK for DVLA services. Third-party websites that claim to be affiliated with DVLA may charge a premium for services that are free on GOV.UK.
• Never share your personal details online. This includes your date of birth, National Insurance number, and driving licence number.
• Be vigilant on social media. There are fake social media accounts that claim to be DVLA or affiliated with the agency. These accounts may promise to offer driving licence renewals or replacement documents at a speedier rate, but they are not legitimate.

What DVLA is doing to prevent fraud

DVLA actively pursues any scams that are reported to them. They also remove websites and URL links that are associated with fraudulent activity.

What you can do to help

If you see any suspicious activity, you can report it to the following organisations:

• National Cyber Security Centre
• Action Fraud
• Report Misleading Adverts to Search engines

Conclusion

DVLA's online services are safe and secure to use. However, it is important to be aware of fraudulent activity and to take steps to protect yourself. By following the tips in this blog, you can help to keep your personal information safe.

Click to view image enlarged - Source: DVLA Digital Services

DVLAgov - Official Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@DVLAgov

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'Are You Okay' Street harassment video and campaign

If you witness street harassment, when it is safe to do so, ask the person who experienced it if they are okay. This lets them know that you stand by them and that street harassment is never okay.

click image to view enlarged

Source: Street Harassment and Report and support.