Scam Warning
New Scam Warning. Another day, another scam alert, this time it’s from the experts at Lloyds Bank. So then Lloyds has warned customers to be on their guard after impersonation fraud soared over the last year. Reports to Lloyds bank of impersonation fraud originating on Instagram. increased 155 percent in the last 12 months. Meanwhile, Facebook and Snapchat scams fell considerably but social media scammers are using different tactics to con people.
What is Social Media Impersonation Fraud
Another day, another scam alert, this time it’s from the experts at Lloyds Bank. They are warning people that social media – and Instagram in particular. These have become the new battleground between the public and organised criminal gangs. The warning comes after more and more reports have been flooding in. Many from people like Michelle who have recently fallen victim to online scammers. Michelle was contacted on Instagram by someone who said they worked at her local church asking her for money. She lost some of her needed money to a scammer.
“Sophisticated organised criminal gangs know this, and are ready to adapt their deceptive methods instantly, lurking around every virtual corner. And to try and part you from your hard-earned cash. “These nasty impersonation scams target people’s natural desire to help family and friends. So then, instead of impersonating the police or the taxman, fraudsters are creeping closer to home and pretending to be those dearest to you. Also older adults are often targeted.
Top tips for avoiding scams on social media
“When using social media we should all remain guarded, be vigilant against fraud attempts, and remember that if something seems fishy – you’re probably right.”
So then here are the top tips to help keep you safe
- Watch out for unexpected requests for money, even if it appears to come from someone you recognise. Always do further independent checks using other contact methods to verify the person’s identity. If it’s genuine, they won’t mind, and if you’re being put under pressure to transfer money quickly it should be a red flag.
- Never give your social media log-in details to anyone else and don’t stay logged into your social media on shared devices, or in public spaces, such as computers in libraries.
Social Media Account
- Go through your social media account settings and put two-factor authentication for logins in place, where available. This means you will receive an alert to a phone number or email address, that you specify, letting you know someone is trying to log in.
- Be on your guard when asked to share or like the content on social media or fill in a form asking for your personal details, particularly if there is an incentive to do so like a free tablet or games console. This is a common way fraudsters amass your details, including lists of people your friends with, so they have more targets to go after.
- Be suspicious of adverts for products and services that are otherwise difficult to track down – such as in-demand games consoles or very high rates of investment return. If you can’t find the items or services offered through well-known retailers or financial providers, then it may be a scam.
- Never ignore warnings from your bank – they are there to protect you. Recent research found that one in 10 people in the UK would ignore a warning about payee details not matching. NOT CLEVER!!
In Conclusion
So this is good advice, you should all read and digest for your own safety. So, life on a pension is challenging without losing your hard earned money to a scammer. Older adults can be targeted, from social media, “happy birthday grandson” tells the scammer your old and have a grand son. There have been cases of older adults receiving request from a scammer using a grandsons name and picture. And asking for money in a hurry, do not fall for it.
Important Note *
Remember that everyone is different, and it is ultimately YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to find what your body responds to. So please do your due diligence before trying anything new, including getting Medical Advice to ensure your safety and peace of mind.
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