Latest Scam News
Published: 04 December 2020
Online Marketplace Photo ScamWith the PlayStation 5, or PS5 as it's known
, completely sold out in all major retailers across the UK, purchasers are being warned of a cruel trick targeting those desperate to get their hands on the games console in time for Christmas.
Some sellers on eBay are listing photos or an empty box of the new next-generation games console in an attempt to mislead eager buyers to part with their hard-earned cash - with some selling for £550. Often the listings are accompanied by good quality pictures and a decent description but hidden amongst the small print is included 'photo' or 'box only' or a similar statement of the true product.
Fortunately eBay are committed to removing all listings for photos of PS5s from their marketplace. However, at the time of writing, we found 28 listings when we used the search term 'PS5 photo'.
Whilst we know this is particularly prevalent on eBay and linked mostly to the highly-sought after PS5, the trick may also be used on other online marketplaces and/or for other high value items such as laptops and smartphones.
Please read all of the item title and item description carefully when buying items online and, if in doubt, ask the seller a question and document the answer for any future redress.
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Banking Smishing Scams
Watch out for these 'smishing' (phishing by SMS) scams purporting to be from a bank and claiming that a new device has been paired with the recipient's bank account. As with all phishing and smishing scams, the purpose of this is to trick you into clicking the link and parting with your banking or other personal details which the fraudster can then use to steal your money.
It's not just Lloyds Bank's good name that are being fraudulently used in this scam - this could also come from fraudsters using other bank names. Please be alert and warn others.
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Royal Mail / Courier Scam
In case you missed this on our social media feeds or in recent news, please beware scam emails and texts that request payment to rearrange delivery of an undelivered parcel or item of mail. The message appears to be from Royal Mail or a recognised courier company and the victim is asked to provide card details for payment of a small fee, typically £1.99, to receive the fictitious undelivered item.
Remember you will never be asked to pay a redelivery fee by Royal Mail or other legitimate couriers. And just because a company logo is used doesn't guarantee authenticity of the communication. Never input your bank or card information after following a link on any email or text that claims to be from Royal Mail or another courier, because it will result in your card details being stolen by criminals.