Gift Cards - Be aware

Criminals continue to trick people into paying them with gift cards, despite warnings in shops. Once a scammer has the code from the back of the card, the money is usually gone for good.

Common Gift Card Scams

•     Messages pretending to be from HMRC, DVLA or utility companies demanding payment by gift card. These organisations never accept gift cards.
•     Texts or emails pretending to be a friend or family member asking you to buy a gift card and send the code. Always verify by calling them on a trusted number.
•     Romance scams where the fraudster asks for gift cards after telling a hard‑luck story.
•     Fake prize draws asking for a gift card payment to “release” your prize.
Remember
•     Scammers only need the code on the back of the card.
•     Never pay anyone you haven’t met using gift cards.
•     Check cards for tampering and always get a receipt.
•     Report fraud to the gift card company, but reimbursement is unlikely if the code has already been used.

CAR FINANCE CLAIM SCAMS

Fraudsters are exploiting the current FCA car finance scheme by sending fake texts, emails and creating bogus websites claiming you’re owed compensation. They will try to get your personal information through links.
Do not click any links.
Forward scam texts to 7726 and scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.