Don't let fraudsters ruin your day
Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting everyday activities from booking holidays to paying for parking. Staying informed is your best defence. Here’s a round-up of the latest scams to watch out for, so you can protect your money and personal information.
Booking.com emails
If you’ve booked a holiday using Booking.com, be cautious of fake in-app messages or emails from fraudsters posing as hotels. Criminals have infiltrated some hotel accounts to request payments or credit card details, tricking unsuspecting customers out of £370,000 so far.
According to Action Fraud “If you receive an unexpected request from a hotel’s account you booked with using Booking.com, asking for bank details or credit card details, it could be a fraudster trying to trick you into parting ways with your money. Contact Booking.com or the organisation directly if you’re unsure”.
HMRC phishing messages
Tax return season is here, and so are HMRC-related scams. Fraudsters are sending emails pretending to be from HMRC, designed to steal your personal and financial details.
Stay scam-safe by ignoring unsolicited messages and reporting them directly to HMRC. Want more tips to navigate tax return season securely? Join the Claim has you covered.
United Utilities phone calls
United Utilities has reported a wave of scam calls where fraudsters claim customers owe money for overdue payments or increased usage. Victims are initially asked for small sums but end up losing much more once scammers access their bank details.
Protect yourself:
- Hang up and call United Utilities back using the official 0345 number from their website
- Wait 10–15 minutes before making the call, or use a different phone
- If you’ve been scammed, report it to Action Fraud.
Parking payment scam
Drivers across the UK should be vigilant when paying for parking. Criminals are sticking up fake QR codes that redirect drivers to fraudulent websites or apps to pay. Victims not only lose money but may also face parking fines due to non-payment of the legitimate fee. Some drivers have lost hundreds of pounds.
To avoid falling victim to this scam, follow instructions on professionally printed signs or ticket machines. Avoid QR codes on stickers that may look out of place.
Royal Mail scam texts
Fraudsters posing as Royal Mail are sending texts claiming a parcel can’t be delivered without more information. The link provided takes you to a fake Royal Mail website asking for personal details. Anyone who receives such a message should ignore it and not click on the link.
Stay one step ahead
Scams evolve constantly, but staying informed is your best defence. Sign up for Join the Claim’s Newsletter to get the latest news and tips to protect yourself and your loved ones.
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