Our top tips for how to avoid the five most common online scams — plus find out high street deals from Sun Savers
SCAMMERS are trying to defraud us at a record rate – and are not slowing down.
From fake supermarket coupons on social media, to letters claiming we’ve won a far-off country’s lottery, we are being targeted more than ever.
Seeing as this week is International Fraud Prevention Week, we’ve teamed up with ID checking service to reveal the five most common scams – and how to beat them.
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.
Reader's top tip of the day
READER Stuart Ardrey, from Oldham, says: “Don’t just switch suppliers for your gas and electric.
“Each year also make sure that you change your contents and building insurance as you rarely get rewarded for loyalty from those companies either.”
- Send us your tips to [email protected] and you’ll get 28 codes worth £5 if your tip is used. Please include your name and town.
Clean up with toothbrush deal
SAVE BIG: Get your teeth into this offer. Oral-B Pro 2 (2000) Cross Action Electric Toothbrush, was £79.99 now £29.99, at Boots.
SAVE: £50
SAVE SMALL: Here’s a sweet deal on biscuits. McVitie’s Victoria 825g, was £5 now £4.50 at Iceland.
SAVE: 50p
Property site's a real winner
SAVER SPOT 1: New property website lets sellers offload their homes by raffling them off, while potential owners can win themselves a new pad from just £2 a ticket.
SAVER SPOT 2: Budget store Lidl has launched a bargain range of wooden toys, with prices starting from just £3.99. Items available include a tricycle priced at £24.99 and a £49.99 wooden play kitchen.
- PRICES correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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