TSB Bank issues ‘small payment’ warning as fraudsters target Brits | Personal Finance | Finance

TSB Bank has issued a warning about fraudsters targeting Brits in a “nasty” delivery scam this Christmas. Richard Daniels, the banking giant’s director of fraud prevention, cautioned the public to beware of fake text messages and emails which appear to be from delivery companies when in fact they come from fraudsters. He told the Daily Express: “[They] will be well aware many of us will be waiting for our online shopping to arrive in the post, as they bombard us with fake texts and emails claiming to be from delivery companies.

“Once you click on them, they may ask for a small payment to ‘release your parcel,’ or ask you to input your personal details into a link. Once they have such information, they can target you with nasty, but convincing scams.” He urged Brits to be wary of delivery texts and not to rush in just because they are expecting something. Mr Daniels cautioned: “Never input your personal details or make a payment – always use the official site instead.”

The delivery scam is just one of a dozen criminal tricks TSB Bank‘s expert warned Brits to be wary of in the run-up to December 25. Read on for more of Mr Daniels’ advice.

Many of us will be looking for a bargain as we shop for Christmas gifts – but be warned against shopping on social media platforms.

Countless people are impacted everyday by paying for items that simply don’t exist.

It’s too easy for scammers to list a popular item at a discounted price to draw you in – and once payment is made you might never hear from the ‘seller’ again.

Such is the rate of fraud from Facebook Marketplace that we’d advise only buying an item if you can view it in person.

With the deadline to complete an online tax return at the end of January, fraudsters typically unleash a wave of scams hoping to catch you out.

They’ll say you owe money and must make a payment, or that you’re owed money – looking to create urgency and panic to get at your personal information, and money.

Do not progress with a phone call or engage with a link via email or text – it pays to verify via an official number on the Gov.uk website.

These are some of the worst we see for their emotional and financial toll on the victim.

Christmas can be a time where people seek a connection – and fraudsters aim to capitalise on this with fake online profiles to lure people into a relationship that simply doesn’t exist.

They will concoct stories – such as being stuck overseas, working in the army, on an oil rig or as a doctor – all to avoid having to meet in person while asking for payment that they ‘urgently need’.

And they will use someone else’s photos, or AI pictures, to lure you in.

Be wary of who you’re speaking with online – and if the conversation turns to payment to someone you’ve not yet met, it’s time to stop. And if you can, check with a family member or friend, as it could be a fraudster.

Christmas sees many of us booking outings and holidays for next year, but be wary of adverts and deals on social media platforms for rental properties and flights as they might not exist.

There are horror stories of people turning up to holiday homes that have no record of a booking as a cruel scammer has simply accepted payment for a non-existent booking.

It is vital to stick to reputable sites for hotels, holiday homes and stays.

Always book flights direct from an official website and ensure holidays are ATOL protected.

Scammers love gift cards because they’re easy to buy, hard to trace, spent quickly and can be sold on.

We see some cases in which fraudsters have impersonated friends and family to urgently request gift cards are sent to help them in a financial emergency.

Posts on social media from hacked and scam accounts often advertise free or heavily discounted high-value gift cards at popular retailers that simply don’t exist.

And fraudsters can even drain gift cards once they’re loaded by taking the number down from a shop.

If you think you’ve been conned in a gift card scam, contact your bank and the gift card provider immediately to try and recover your money.

And steer clear of gift card sales on social media platforms – they could well be fraud.

It’s the time of year for giving and fraudsters aim to take advantage of our charitable nature with collections and links to donation pages that will go straight to their pocket.

There are many legitimate and official collections over Christmas, so it’s important we don’t shun the ones we truly want to donate to, but do your homework and ensure it’s going to a legitimate and verified source.

You can check a charity’s number online via Government websites and if in doubt contact a charity directly to confirm.

The end of a year typically sees people trying to get their finances in order and aspiring to a more fruitful new year.

But be wary of fake investment opportunities that are rife on social media platforms, with criminals offering high returns on crypto and fake platforms.

It’s vital you check an investment opportunity with the Financial Conduct Authority’s register and stick to a legitimate investment platform, otherwise you may simply be transferring your money to a fraudster.

Lean on friends and family to discuss an investment and if in doubt, contact your bank.

Criminals know we’ll be at home over Christmas so they may well up their game with phone calls hoping to catch you out.

It’s vital to be on guard for any out of the blue contact you may receive and don’t rush in and accept it as genuine as fraudsters prey on creating panic and urgency.

If you receive a call claiming to be from your bank, you can verify if it’s genuine by hanging up and dialling 159, which will connect you to your bank to confirm.

Never give away a one-time passcode, personal information and certainly don’t make a payment to a ‘safe account’. A bank will never ask you to do this.

The same applies for all cold-calls. Have your guard up and if in doubt simply hang up and call the official number found on a website directly.

There are countless horror stories across the UK of people paying for work on their home that never materialises.

Well-meaning homeowners will pay for repairs to their roof, new windows, or a paved drive only for the contractors to disappear.

When employing a trader, it’s important to check reviews from multiple sources and consider getting some reference with an agreement to pay for the work once it’s done.

And if you receive a knock on the door from someone claiming to be from a gas and electric company, or a charity, ensure you check their badge and credentials. Call that company or charity directly to confirm.

Over Christmas, companies and brands will up their game with the emails they send advertising deals and offers.

Sadly, fraudsters will too and they’ve become quite adept at impersonating official emails, making them hard to spot.

Look out for an unusual email address and be wary of links, which may take you through to malicious sites.

The most likely scam attack you may encounter is a fake text, pretending to be from an official company.

Don’t click links and do not enter personal information as you’ll likely be giving your details straight to a fraudster.

For any suspicious texts, forward to 7726, as your phone provider will record and investigate.