Latest news with #GetSafeOnline
Rhyl Journal
08-05-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
North Wales campaign to help people send money abroad
Get Safe Online, in collaboration with North Wales Police and the office of North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin, aims to ensure that money sent by residents to their families or friends back home reaches the intended recipients and not fraudsters. The campaign is targeted at people from abroad who live and work in North Wales and regularly send money to their home countries. The initiative is based on the understanding that the money sent is often hard-earned and crucial for the recipients. Get Safe Online, a service commissioned by the Office of the PCC and the local police force, is providing expert advice to help residents make informed choices when sending money abroad. The advice includes always using an authorised or registered remittance provider. All Welsh-based companies dealing with international money transfers need to be authorised or registered by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing safeguards for the senders. People are also advised to use electronic payment service providers such as PayPal, ensuring the website or app used is genuine. The campaign warns against entrusting cash to unknown individuals, groups, or couriers who offer to take it back to family or friends in the sender's country. Instead, it suggests using someone familiar and completely trustworthy. The importance of protecting remittance services with a unique password and not providing more personal information than necessary is also highlighted. The campaign also advises against remitting money on behalf of a stranger, as this could inadvertently involve the sender in money laundering, which carries a heavy penalty. Mr Dunbobbin, PCC for North Wales, said: "Financial crime is a growing issue, and residents of North Wales who might be sending money overseas need to be aware of the dangers and to stick to using reputable agencies and channels. "This sort of crime is one that can affect many members of the diverse communities we have in North Wales and as PCC for the region, I want to see all residents' hard-earned money protected. "Given this, I would urge those at risk to follow the helpful tips from Get Safe Online." DC Rachel Roberts, financial abuse safeguarding officer at North Wales Police, added: "When sending money abroad, choosing a licensed and regulated remittance provider is essential. "It ensures your funds are protected, your transfer is traceable, and you are not exposing yourself to fraud or hidden fees." The campaign encourages residents to always check that their remittance has been received by contacting their family or friend directly, as well as checking confirmation notifications from the service. For more information on sending remittances safely, residents are encouraged to visit the Get Safe Online website.
Leader Live
08-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
North Wales campaign to help people send money abroad
Get Safe Online, in collaboration with North Wales Police and the office of North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin, aims to ensure that money sent by residents to their families or friends back home reaches the intended recipients and not fraudsters. The campaign is targeted at people from abroad who live and work in North Wales and regularly send money to their home countries. The initiative is based on the understanding that the money sent is often hard-earned and crucial for the recipients. Get Safe Online, a service commissioned by the Office of the PCC and the local police force, is providing expert advice to help residents make informed choices when sending money abroad. The advice includes always using an authorised or registered remittance provider. All Welsh-based companies dealing with international money transfers need to be authorised or registered by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing safeguards for the senders. People are also advised to use electronic payment service providers such as PayPal, ensuring the website or app used is genuine. The campaign warns against entrusting cash to unknown individuals, groups, or couriers who offer to take it back to family or friends in the sender's country. Instead, it suggests using someone familiar and completely trustworthy. The importance of protecting remittance services with a unique password and not providing more personal information than necessary is also highlighted. The campaign also advises against remitting money on behalf of a stranger, as this could inadvertently involve the sender in money laundering, which carries a heavy penalty. Mr Dunbobbin, PCC for North Wales, said: "Financial crime is a growing issue, and residents of North Wales who might be sending money overseas need to be aware of the dangers and to stick to using reputable agencies and channels. "This sort of crime is one that can affect many members of the diverse communities we have in North Wales and as PCC for the region, I want to see all residents' hard-earned money protected. "Given this, I would urge those at risk to follow the helpful tips from Get Safe Online." DC Rachel Roberts, financial abuse safeguarding officer at North Wales Police, added: "When sending money abroad, choosing a licensed and regulated remittance provider is essential. "It ensures your funds are protected, your transfer is traceable, and you are not exposing yourself to fraud or hidden fees." The campaign encourages residents to always check that their remittance has been received by contacting their family or friend directly, as well as checking confirmation notifications from the service. For more information on sending remittances safely, residents are encouraged to visit the Get Safe Online website.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dog groomer urges caution after social media scam
A Sussex dog groomer with nearly 700,000 social media followers has warned about the dangers of online fraud after she said she was targeted by potential scammers. Caroline Donoghue, from Polegate, was contacted a few weeks ago via her agent to appear on what she believed was a real podcast. After arranging the logistics, Ms Donoghue was then asked to grant access to her Meta Business Suite - an online platform to help users manage content creation, marketing and advertising - so the bookers could schedule a livestream for the podcast. Once access was granted, the bookers went silent on the day they were meant to record and Ms Donoghue realised they were impersonators. The dog groomer believes the goal of these scammers is to take full control of social media accounts and remove the true owner's access. Social media consultant Gareth Cairns says that gaining access to a person's Meta Business Suite leaves the true owner very vulnerable. Mr Cairns said: "The consequences of them getting access to your Facebook page is that they could take down your page, and maybe change the name of your page to show something else, to push out their message to your followers. "What they can do in some cases is possibly blackmail people as well, and try and gain money off them to get access back to their page." Ms Donoghue says that, while it was clearly "really risky" to hand out her details, this wasn't apparent at the time. "I did have a little glimmer and thought, 'that's a bit strange'...but I thought it's come through the agent, it's not going to be an issue," Ms Donoghue said. She added: "They know how important these accounts [are] to us as influencers. It's not just something we do on the side - it pays the rent." This is not the first time she has been targeted by scammers, she said. Two years ago, Caroline said her business TikTok account was hacked and she lost more than 300,000 followers. As things stand she still has access to her account and has not yet noticed suspicious activity on it. However, the rogue email address still has access - meaning it could be taken over at any time. "They've got a lot of data, and they're either going to be doing something with that or they're not and I just don't know," she said. She has tried contacting Meta for assistance but not heard back. Alongside earning a set sum as a creator, Caroline's Meta account is also key to income she makes as a brand ambassador. Tony Neate, CEO of Get Safe Online, added: "Even if it [the offer] comes to you via a trusted source you have to double check. Fraudsters are always trying to be one step ahead." A Meta spokesperson told the BBC: "We take the safety and security of our community seriously, and we encourage everyone to create a strong password, enable two factor authentication and to be suspicious of emails or messages asking for personal details." Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. TikTok groomer's mission to educate dog owners BBC Scam Safe quiz: How scam savvy are you?
BBC News
05-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Scams: Dog groomer says she was targeted by social media fraud
A Sussex dog groomer with nearly 700,000 social media followers has warned about the dangers of online fraud after she said she was targeted by potential Donoghue, from Polegate, was contacted a few weeks ago via her agent to appear on what she believed was a real podcast. After arranging the logistics, Ms Donoghue was then asked to grant access to her Meta Business Suite - an online platform to help users manage content creation, marketing and advertising - so the bookers could schedule a livestream for the access was granted, the bookers went silent on the day they were meant to record and Ms Donoghue realised they were impersonators. The dog groomer believes the goal of these scammers is to take full control of social media accounts and remove the true owner's media consultant Gareth Cairns says that gaining access to a person's Meta Business Suite leaves the true owner very vulnerable. Mr Cairns said: "The consequences of them getting access to your Facebook page is that they could take down your page, and maybe change the name of your page to show something else, to push out their message to your followers."What they can do in some cases is possibly blackmail people as well, and try and gain money off them to get access back to their page."Ms Donoghue says that, while it was clearly "really risky" to hand out her details, this wasn't apparent at the time."I did have a little glimmer and thought, 'that's a bit strange'...but I thought it's come through the agent, it's not going to be an issue," Ms Donoghue added: "They know how important these accounts [are] to us as influencers. It's not just something we do on the side - it pays the rent."This is not the first time she has been targeted by scammers, she years ago, Caroline said her business TikTok account was hacked and she lost more than 300,000 followers. As things stand she still has access to her account and has not yet noticed suspicious activity on the rogue email address still has access - meaning it could be taken over at any time."They've got a lot of data, and they're either going to be doing something with that or they're not and I just don't know," she has tried contacting Meta for assistance but not heard earning a set sum as a creator, Caroline's Meta account is also key to income she makes as a brand ambassador. Tony Neate, CEO of Get Safe Online, added: "Even if it [the offer] comes to you via a trusted source you have to double check. Fraudsters are always trying to be one step ahead."A Meta spokesperson told the BBC: "We take the safety and security of our community seriously, and we encourage everyone to create a strong password, enable two factor authentication and to be suspicious of emails or messages asking for personal details."
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Airbnb urges holidaymakers to be vigilant amid AI-generated image scams
Airbnb has urged holidaymakers to be vigilant amid the potential for AI-generated images of holiday properties to be mistaken for the real thing. Research from Airbnb and Get Safe Online said that scams related to booking holidays were among the most common types of fraud in the UK, just behind credit card fraud and phishing scams. Alongside that, the holiday rental company said AI and social media were causing additional problems for consumers. In a survey, 68% of those asked said they were confident they could spot a fake advert for a holiday. This was despite the fact that nearly two-thirds were unable to spot AI-generated images of holiday properties when they were shown. Airbnb said it was publishing the figures to coincide with what its data says is now the busiest window for booking Easter breaks. In response, the property rental firm has issued a range of safety tips alongside Get Safe Online to help people avoid holiday scams. Tips offered included urging users to never click on unexpected links, always report suspected scams and be wary of unusually cheap deals or high deposits. It also encourages users to avoid paying for trips by direct bank transfer, stick to trusted platforms to book and pay and ensure their online accounts are secure with a strong password and multifactor authentication. Amanda Cupples, general manager of UK and Northern Europe for Airbnb, said: 'As people look to plan their Easter break, holidaymakers should remain vigilant when browsing for their trips. 'New technologies are fast emerging and using trusted platforms to book, pay and communicate is the best way to beat potential fraudsters. Recommended reading: Rightmove reveals the two best months for people to put their home up for sale This DIY mistake could ruin your home as Brits issued warning by home experts The countries you can travel to with less than six months left on your passport 'We have safeguards in place to protect stays booked on Airbnb, including secure payment processes and support measures like AirCover.' Get Safe Online chief executive, Tony Neate, said: 'As you seek out deals when securing your hard-earned break away, as the research shows, this year it's more important than ever to stay alert when it comes to booking a holiday. 'When it comes to payment, always pay on a trusted platform, which will provide better protection than parting with your money to someone you don't know. And trust your instincts – if a deal looks too good to be true, then it probably is.'
