April brings a new set of scam risks, with fraudsters adapting quickly to current events and consumer behaviour. From travel bookings to online payments and job searches, criminals are finding new ways to build trust and create urgency.
Here are some of the key scams to watch out for this month.
Booking.com “reservation hijacking”
Following a recent data breach, criminals are targeting travellers with so-called “reservation hijacking” scams.
Fraudsters use stolen Booking.com details to contact customers directly, posing as hotels or customer support. Messages often look legitimate and reference real reservations, which makes them particularly convincing.
Victims may be told there’s an issue with their booking and asked to make a payment to secure it.
If you receive unexpected messages about a booking:
- Don’t click links or make payments outside the official platform
- Log in directly to your Booking.com account to check your reservation
- Be cautious of messages creating urgency or requesting payment.
PayPal “1p deposit” scam
A new scam targeting PayPal users starts with a small, seemingly harmless transaction. Victims receive a 1p payment, which triggers a genuine PayPal notification. This is followed by an email claiming a larger payment is pending and urging the recipient to contact customer support.
The catch is that the contact number provided connects you to a scammer, not PayPal.
From there, fraudsters may try to:
- Steal personal and financial information
- Convince you to download software for “account security”
- Gain access to your device or bank account.
PayPal has confirmed it will never include phone numbers in payment messages or demand urgent action. If you receive a suspicious payment or message, log in directly to your account and report it.
Recovery fraud targeting crypto victims
Police are warning about a rise in “recovery fraud”, where victims of an initial scam are targeted again.
After losing money — often through cryptocurrency scams — victims are contacted by someone claiming they can recover the funds. This may be presented as a specialist service or even come via a “trusted” contact.
In reality, it’s a second scam. Victims are asked to send money upfront, often by bank transfer, with no chance of recovery.
If you’ve already been scammed, be especially cautious of anyone offering to help for a fee.
Job scams becoming more convincing
Recruitment scams are on the rise, with fraudsters using AI to create highly convincing job offers.
These scams often begin with unsolicited messages from fake recruiters, sometimes impersonating real companies or individuals. The roles may appear tailored to your experience and offer attractive salaries or flexible working.
Once engaged, victims may be asked to:
- Pay for CV reviews, training or equipment
- Share personal documents such as passports or bank details
- Complete tasks that involve transferring money.
If a job offer appears out of the blue or asks for payment at any stage, treat it with caution.
Messaging app phishing and verification code scams
A growing phishing scam is targeting users of email and messaging platforms. Victims receive messages claiming their account is at risk and are asked to share a verification code or click a link to “secure” it.
In reality, sharing that code gives scammers access to your account.
To stay safe, never share verification codes or PINs with anyone and be wary of urgent messages.
Stay one step ahead
Scams continue to evolve, but the tactics are familiar: urgency, impersonation and pressure.
Taking a moment to stop and check before acting can prevent serious financial loss.
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