Common scams to avoid…
According to recent reports thousands of customers have already fallen victim to various scams since the start of 2017.
Scammers can be very convincing, so be careful…
The most common scam (around 30%) seems to be “goods not received”. This involves someone paying ahead for items or services that never turn up. These scams usually happen on online auctions and marketplaces.
Customers can help protect themselves better by checking the item description carefully and read the website’s dispute resolution policy before buying anything.
Recognised (and secure), official payment or gateway services should be used, and customers are advised not to pay via direct bank transfer off-site.
Business customers should also be aware that they can fall victim to scams, often these are in the form of “invoice fraud” and can cause big losses. This occurs when a business receives a fake invoice that appears to be from a trusted trading partner. Either the payment arrangements have changed and/or there is an outstanding balance into a new account.
Some common examples:
• Goods not received – Paying for something that never turn up or arrive
• Advance fee fraud – Being asked for advanced or up-front payments for goods or services that do not materialise
• Fake payment request – The customer receives a fraudulent request, claiming to be from senior personnel or clients, for a payment or part payment
• Invoice fraud – Being tricked to believe a fake invoice is from a trusted trading partner or known entity
• Holiday scam – Booking a holiday and subsequently finding out later that the holiday was not real
