North Yorkshire Neighbourhood Watch Association have sent us this. The link to the little book of Big Scams is at the end.
Common scams and frauds
Fraud is when trickery is used to gain a dishonest advantage, which is often financial, over another person. When you are online, you should take steps to protect yourself, and be aware of the risks.
We’ve listed just two of the most common online scams and frauds.
Email scams
A fraudster who claims to be someone in a position of authority sends you an email, letter or a fax.
They say they have access to a substantial amount of money and explains where this money is supposed to have come from. (Usually another country such as Africa or Iraq) They say they want to move the money out of the country, and then give you a reason why they can’t transfer it themselves.
They will ask your permission to pay the money into your account before they transfer it onwards, after deducting your reward. The fraudsters may even ask you to open a new bank account to transfer the money. There is no money to transfer.
The fraudsters may also ask you for details of your bank account so that they can transfer your reward. They will use this information to try and empty your account.
Accommodation fraud
Accommodation fraud is when you pay money to make a hotel reservation or book another form of accommodation, but the hotel or reservation does not exist.
- The safest way to protect yourself from booking bogus accommodation is to book directly with an established hotel or through a reputable travel company.
- If using a travel company ensure they are a member of a trade body such as ABTA, the Travel Association or the Air Travel Organisers Licensing, (ATOL).
- If you decide to book independently you should exercise caution. Establish if you are dealing directly with the property owner or a letting agent.
- Research the property or hotel that you are booking – verify that the address exists through web searches and online maps. Do the images match those on the advert? Check whether there are any reviews for the accommodation from previous visitors.
- If dealing with the property owner ask them about the property and the area in detail. Can you confirm that what they tell you is accurate from your own research?
- Research any agent that you are dealing with via an online search engine. Are there any reviews of the website or agent? Ask what checks the agent makes on the properties that they are advertising and its owner? Does the website use the padlock symbol to indicate the site is secure?
- When paying for accommodation never pay by cash or use a Money Transfer Agent such as Western Union or Moneygram as these are not intended for commercial payments.
- If possible pay by credit card as this may protect your payment.
- Always check the terms and conditions to confirm exactly what you are being sold. Double check your booking before travel, particularly if there is a long gap between making the booking and arrival.
- Be aware that fraudulent adverts do exist. If you have any doubts do not book it!
Please take a little time to read this – The little book of Big Scams (in pdf format)