Scam Updates

Published: 20 May 2020

1. For information regarding an on-line pet fraud, trying to sell non-existent pets see the action fraud website.

2. There have been reported instances of phishing emails which impersonate Virgin Media. They can be spotted as the email address that they have been sent from was a Maltese internet provider and the grammar and spelling was not very good. It asks you to click onto a link where they then request personal data. Please always confirm something is genuine before responding to anything, in particular when they are asking for personal data and bank account details.

3. Supermarket Competition scam

A scam involving fraudsters sending text messages or emails claiming to offer Asda prizes. There are a number of messages circulating by text messages and emails that are nothing to do with Asda and may be an attempt to capture your personal details. Recent messages include supermarket voucher giveaways, prize draws, reminders to collect a package and money off promotions.

As stated above they are trying to obtain personal details and ask you to pay £1 for the delivery charge and to obtain your card details. They also have a time countdown to apply pressure on adding your details.

The prizes may vary but one of is an iPhone 11 which is one of the prizes ASDA have offered in their customer satisfaction survey previously. This is to try and add sincerity to the scam. 

If you receive one of these, please DO NOT click on the link and delete it and report to Action Fraud immediately.

Please be aware these scams could change supermarket brands at any point.

4. Amazon Phishing Emails

These are emails impersonating Amazon, and looking very convincing. Like the previously listed scams, they ask for you to click a link and supply personal data and payment card details, which would enable them to purchase items using your details. Never click on a link.

5. TV Licence scam.

Fraudsters impersonating the TV licensing organisation send an email stating that your TV licence has been cancelled. A genuine email from the TV Licensing organisation will use donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk (or donotreply@spp.tvlicensing.co.uk) to email you. The scam email is not from either of these and is actually a Dutch email company. Please be aware of this email currently circulating.