Scammers have come up with a cunning Royal Wedding-inspired trick to steal your data… here’s how not to fall for it
The tweet aims to con people into entering personal information that's often used for passwords and security questions
THE Royal Wedding sparked endless memes, games and quizzes, with people getting involved in celebrating the special occasion all over the world.
But one post doing the rounds on social media, which encourages people to find out their "Royal Guest name", has a sly ulterior motive.
The game is a trick to con unsuspecting victims into entering personal information that's often used for passwords and security questions.
It asks people to enter their name, grandparent's name, first pet's name and their street name, claiming the answers reveal their "Royal Guest name".
In complying, you're quite literally handing over vital data to hackers and fraudsters, not to mention any other Tom, Dick or Harry that uses social media.
To make sure you don't fall prey to cunning scams like this one, it's probably worth saying the answers out loud rather than posting them on the internet.
It's always worth reporting offensive, dangerous or scam posts so that other people don't fall for it.
You can usually do this by clicking on the arrow or ellipses to the right of the post.
If you couldn't resist getting involved, it might be worth changing your security questions and answers for things like your bank. Remember, they don't have to be true - just make sure you're likely to remember what you've put!
Our top tips for how to avoid the five most common online scams
1. GHOST GOODS: Fraudsters use online marketplaces such as eBay or Gumtree to sell items. Victims are asked to pay by bank transfer or via a link to a fake payment page. The goods never arrive or turn out to be counterfeit.
How to avoid: If someone offers you a discount if you pay by bank transfer, alarm bells should ring.
Always use sites and payment methods that offer fraud protection.
2. COMPUTER REPAIRS: You received a pop-up on your computer telling you it has a virus and you need to pay to have it removed. This is designed only to take your cash and personal details.
How to avoid: Install up-to-date antivirus software. If you get a message on your computer, first try restarting your machine and clearing your browser history. Do not give card or bank details.
3. FAKE COMPETITION: Not all competitions are scams but 59 per cent of us would readily give personal details to enter one. Questions such as your date of birth and “verification” details such as your mum’s maiden, name will help a fraudster.
How to avoid: Be aware when filling out forms and think twice about the information you give. Never use the same password as your online banking.
4. ONLINE ROMANCE: Fraudsters create fake profiles and trick people on dating sites and apps into lending them money. The scammer builds up trust then suddenly has an emergency or needs cash to meet up.
How to avoid: Never hand over cash to someone you have only spoken to online and ask to verify their identity if you get involved with someone. Genuine people won’t mind.
5. HOLIDAY HOME RENTALS: You hand over money only to discover the accommodation you’ve paid for doesn’t exist. Scammers advertise a fake property or clone a genuine property’s details. Victims are then asked to pay up front by bank transfer to secure the rental.
How to avoid: Use the rental company’s payment system. Do your research before renting and check reviews.
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Earlier this week we reported how an HR manager who "sold" her Royal Wedding gift bag for £21,000 on eBay denies cashing in.
The 31-year-old is among dozens of guests who have tried to flog the luxury goodies just days after Saturday's celebration.