Latest news with #Stop!ThinkFraud
Daily Record
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Rangers and Celtic fans warned over online ticket scams as fraudsters target clubs
The Glasgow giants are among the UK clubs most targeted by fraudsters who market non-existent briefs for sale on social media. Rangers and Celtic fans have been warned to look out for ticketing scams this season as new data reveals an estimated £2.5 million has been lost to football ticket fraud over the past two years. The Glasgow giants are among the UK clubs most targeted by fraudsters who market non-existent briefs for sale on social media sites such as Facebook and X. More than 2,400 cases of football ticket fraud were reported by Lloyds customers over the past two seasons, with total losses topping £500,000. The bank estimates there are likely to have been at least 12,000 victims across the UK since the start of the 2023/24 season, with over £2.5 million stolen by fraudsters. The UK Government has now joined forces with Lloyds to issue a warning to supporters as part of its Stop! Think Fraud campaign. Led by the Home Office, the campaign aims to better inform supporters and small businesses about the risks of buying dodgy briefs. Supporters of Liverpool are most likely to be targeted by fraudsters, followed by fans of Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City. But cases have also involved fans of Celtic and Rangers, while Wrexham featured in the data after racing back to the second tier of the English football pyramid for the first time in more than 40 years. Fans aged 25–34 were the most common victims, making up 28 per cent of all cases, closely followed by 18-24 year olds. More than three-quarters of football ticket fraud cases last season started on social media, underlining the need for tech firms to do more to stop the fraudsters operating on their platforms. Fraudsters typically try purchase scams where people are tricked into paying for goods or services that don't exist. This involves scammers posting fake adverts or listings on social media, offering tickets at discounted prices or for sold-out games. Victims are then asked to pay upfront – usually by bank transfer – but the tickets never arrive and the fraudster disappears. Anti-fraud experts are urging fans to stick to official sources and only buy tickets directly from official club websites, ticket offices or their authorised partners. Deals advertised on social media should not be trusted. Liz Ziegler, Lloyds fraud prevention director, said: "It's easy to get swept up in the buzz of a new season – but scammers are banking on that excitement. With demand for tickets often outstripping supply, fraudsters know they can trick fans into paying for tickets that simply don't exist. "Social media is the main breeding ground for ticket scams and it's time these firms cracked down on the fraudsters lurking on their platforms." David Hanson, minister for fraud at the Home Office, said: "As the nation gears up for the new football season, so too do fraudsters, waiting to take advantage of loyal fans searching for tickets. "That's why we urge all football supporters hunting for tickets to Stop! Think Fraud. Stay alert and only buy directly from the clubs, their official partners and legitimate resale outlets. None of us want to miss a big game, but that will feel ten times worse if you've also handed hundreds of pounds to a fraudster for a ticket you'll never see."
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Premier League ticket warning as thousands of fans conned out of £2.5million
Startling figures released by Lloyds and the Home Office reveal that fraud victims coughed up an average of £218 for tickets that did not exist last season Football fans have been conned out of more than £2.5million for fake tickets in the past two seasons, with scammers using social media to trick supporters. Alarming figures show victims coughed up an average of £218 for tickets that did not exist last year, with Liverpool supporters most likely to be targeted. It is estimated that 12,000 people have been defrauded since the start of the 2023/24 season. Con artists flooded social media with fake tickets to see Premier League giants Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea and Manchester City, as well as newly promoted Championside side Wrexham, new data shows. Home Office minister Lord Hanson told The Mirror the figures were "shocking". More than 2,400 cases of football ticket fraud were reported by Lloyds banking customers in two years, with total losses topping £500,000. The bank estimates that nationally there will have been 12,000 cases, with unsuspecting fans coughing up £2.5million. Three quarters of the scams start on social media, the Home Office said. Liz Ziegler, fraud prevention director at Lloyds, said while fans are looking forward to the new Premier League season, scammers are "banking on that excitement". She said: "With demand for tickets often outstripping supply, fraudsters know they can trick fans into paying for tickets that simply don't exist." And warning sport lovers to steer clear of deals that "look too good to be true" she said: 'Social media is the main breeding ground for ticket scams and it's time these firms cracked down on the fraudsters lurking on their platforms." Analysis found supporters aged from 25 to 34 are the most common victims, making up 28% of all cases. They were closely followed by 18 to 24 year olds. Lloyds is working with the Home Office on its Stop! Think Fraud project, aimed at stopping people falling victim to scammers. The Premier League urges supporters to buy tickets directly from clubs. Several clubs employ staff dedicated to tackling ticket fraud, who will often buy tickets from unauthorised sellers to identify the source of resold tickets. From season 2026/27 the Premier League will require a minimum of 70% of tickets to be digital. It says this will give additional security. Lord Hanson said: 'Fraud is a ruthless crime that preys on our passions, our trust, and our excitement. As the nation gears up for the new football season, so too do fraudsters, waiting to take advantage of loyal fans searching for tickets."
North Wales Live
25-07-2025
- North Wales Live
DWP issues warning about new bill support scam
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning about a new scam. In an alert shared on X, the DWP's official account urged the public to "beware" of fraudulent schemes, particularly those claiming to be from the department. Discussing the scam, which seems to target individuals seeking help with their bills, the DWP confirmed that it is indeed a hoax. Genuine support for energy bills can only be accessed through the official website. The DWP warned on X: "Beware: If you get a text about an 'Energy Support Scheme' it is a scam. Find out how to report and recover from any suspicious texts, phone calls, or emails via Stop! Think Fraud." Linking to their official Stop! Think Fraud website - all about how to stay safe from scams - the experts note: "Nobody is immune from fraud. The criminals behind it target people online and in their homes, often emotionally manipulating their victims before they steal money or personal data," reports the Mirror. They continue: "But there is something we can do. By staying vigilant and always taking a moment to stop, think and check whenever we're approached, we can help to protect ourselves and each other from fraud." How can I identify a scam text message? The aim of a fraudulent message, sent through SMS, WhatsApp, or other messaging platforms, is usually to deceive you into clicking on a link. This link often directs you to a fake website that's set up to nick your personal details, money, or to plant malware on your device. Scammers tend to keep their fake texts brief and straightforward, but they employ sly tactics to make them look legitimate. They might even "spoof" the sender's number so it looks like the message has come from a reliable entity, such as your bank, and appears in the same conversation thread. However, there are a number of signs that the message might be fake, so here's how to spot a suspicious message. The experts urge people to be wary if you see: an 'irresistible' product offer or prize from a number or company you don't know an urgent alert about security, for example claiming your bank account details have been compromised a message about a product or service you haven't purchased or requested a delivery company demanding you pay a fee before they deliver a parcel an appeal from a family member asking you to send money encouragement to click on an unknown link – if you're not sure, visit the organisation's website directly rather than clicking through a request for you to share personal data language designed to create a sense of urgency or panic messages sent outside normal business hours, especially if they're very late at night or very early in the morning What do I do if I get a scam text? break the contact – don't reply, click on any links, or make any payments check if it's genuine: contact the person or company directly, using a phone number you already have and know is correct forward the message for free to 7726 What to I do if I've replied to the scam text? The experts stress: "Don't panic! What you do next depends on whether you've replied, clicked a link, sent information or made a payment." You can look at their advice on what to do if you've been a victim of fraud.
Daily Record
24-07-2025
- Daily Record
DWP issues urgent new scam alert over 'Energy Support Scheme'
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an urgent warning over a scam text message that has been doing the rounds and claims to be from the government The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning to the public about a scam that could potentially empty their bank accounts. The government department's official account on X, previously known as Twitter, cautioned people to "beware" of scams, particularly those pretending to be from the DWP. Discussing the fraudulent scheme, which appears to target individuals needing assistance with bills, the DWP confirmed it as fake. Genuine help with energy bills can be found through the official website. The DWP posted on X: "Beware: If you get a text about an 'Energy Support Scheme' it is a scam Find out how to report and recover from any suspicious texts, phone calls, or emails via Stop! Think Fraud." Linking to their official Stop! Think Fraud website - all about how to stay safe from scams - the experts note: "Nobody is immune from fraud. "The criminals behind it target people online and in their homes, often emotionally manipulating their victims before they steal money or personal data. "But there is something we can do. By staying vigilant and always taking a moment to stop, think and check whenever we're approached, we can help to protect ourselves and each other from fraud. " How to spot a fake text message In discussing scams, the government site provides guidance on how to identify a fake text message. The aim of a fraudulent message - whether sent via SMS, WhatsApp, or another messaging platform - is typically to deceive you into clicking a link. This link often directs to a fake website designed to steal your personal information, money, or infect your device with malware. Fake texts are usually brief and straightforward - but fraudsters use cunning tactics to make them seem legitimate. In fact, they can even "spoof" the sender's number, making it appear as though the message is coming from a trusted source, like your bank, within the same conversation thread. However, there are a number of signs that the message might be fake, so here's how to spot a suspicious message. The experts urge people to be wary if you see: an 'irresistible' product offer or prize from a number or company you don't know an urgent alert about security, for example claiming your bank account details have been compromised a message about a product or service you haven't purchased or requested a delivery company demanding you pay a fee before they deliver a parcel an appeal from a family member asking you to send money encouragement to click on an unknown link – if you're not sure, visit the organisation's website directly rather than clicking through a request for you to share personal data language designed to create a sense of urgency or panic messages sent outside normal business hours, especially if they're very late at night or very early in the morning What do I do if I get a scam text? break the contact – don't reply, click on any links, or make any payments check if it's genuine: contact the person or company directly, using a phone number you already have and know is correct forward the message for free to 7726 What to I do if I've replied to the scam text? The experts stress: "Don't panic! What you do next depends on whether you've replied, clicked a link, sent information or made a payment."
Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
DWP issues Energy Support Scheme scam text alert to everyone who pays bills
The DWP issued the warning online, urging people to stay safe The DWP - the Department for Work and Pensions - has warned people to be alert for a scam that could drain their bank account. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the government department's official account warned to "beware" of scams, specifically claiming to be from the body. Talking about the fraudulent scheme - suggesting it's aimed at people who need help with bills - the DWP confirmed that it's fake. Genuine help with energy bills can be found through the official website. The DWP posted on X: "Beware: If you get a text about an 'Energy Support Scheme' it is a scam Find out how to report and recover from any suspicious texts, phone calls, or emails via Stop! Think Fraud." Linking to their official Stop! Think Fraud website - all about how to stay safe from scams - the experts note: "Nobody is immune from fraud. The criminals behind it target people online and in their homes, often emotionally manipulating their victims before they steal money or personal data. "But there is something we can do. By staying vigilant and always taking a moment to stop, think and check whenever we're approached, we can help to protect ourselves and each other from fraud. " How to spot a fake text message Talking about scams, the government site sets out how to spot a fake text message. The purpose of a fraudulent message - whether sent via SMS, WhatsApp, or another messaging platform - is typically to trick you into clicking a link. This link often leads to a bogus website designed to steal your personal information, money, or infect your device with malware. Fake texts are usually short and simple - but scammers use clever tricks to make them seem convincing. They can even "spoof" the sender's number, making it appear as if the message is coming from a trusted source, like your bank, within the same conversation thread. However, there are a number of signs that the message might be fake, so here's how to spot a suspicious message. The experts urge people to be wary if you see: an 'irresistible' product offer or prize from a number or company you don't know an urgent alert about security, for example claiming your bank account details have been compromised a message about a product or service you haven't purchased or requested a delivery company demanding you pay a fee before they deliver a parcel an appeal from a family member asking you to send money encouragement to click on an unknown link – if you're not sure, visit the organisation's website directly rather than clicking through a request for you to share personal data language designed to create a sense of urgency or panic messages sent outside normal business hours, especially if they're very late at night or very early in the morning What do I do if I get a scam text? break the contact – don't reply, click on any links, or make any payments check if it's genuine: contact the person or company directly, using a phone number you already have and know is correct forward the message for free to 7726 What to I do if I've replied to the scam text? The experts stress: "Don't panic! What you do next depends on whether you've replied, clicked a link, sent information or made a payment." You can look at their advice on what to do if you've been a victim of fraud.
