CURRENT SCAMS AND OTHER INFORMATION – APRIL 2026

I am attaching a press release from Public Protection Partnership on Hackney Carriage Plates Protected and a link to the Care Services Directory:   https://www.carechoices.co.uk/publication/berkshire-care-services-directory/

Consumer scam alerts - Norfolk County Council   This website gives information on numerous scams that are currently circulating and on rogue traders.  

If you are about to book your summer break or a holiday later in the year, beware of falling victim to fraudsters, as huge numbers of people are targeted every year by fake hotel and flight adverts.

Here are some of the holiday booking scams you should watch out for, and how to avoid them when booking your next trip. 

In recent weeks, fraudsters have been exploiting travel disruption caused by events in the Middle East, often posing as travel companies offering help. In reality, they’re trying to steal personal and payment information to take money from unsuspecting travellers.

Scammers may also create fake advertisements, for example, a cheap flight to a long-haul destination, or claim they want to sell a holiday they have booked for themselves but can no longer use.

Liz Ziegler, Fraud Prevention Director at Lloyds, said: “For a lot of people, holidays are a chance to escape the everyday stresses of life and take time to relax. But falling victim to a scam whilst booking one can lead to the opposite.  “We know that fraudsters continue to use social media websites such as Facebook to take advantage of people looking for a good deal, so people must stay alert and think about their online purchases.  Always book through a trusted retailer, or direct with airlines and hotels, using your card. Don’t ever feel pressured into purchasing anything, especially if someone is asking you to transfer money to them directly.”

The government has pledged to do more to tackle fraud, as scammers are constantly coming up with new ways to part people from their cash.  Read more in our article:  Types of scam and how to avoid them and Don’t let scammers steal your retirement.

Here’s our rundown of some of the holiday booking scams you should watch out for, and how to avoid them when booking your next trip.  The links are below:

PayPal users need to watch out for a genuine email that fraudsters are using to scam them.   Click on the link We're warning PayPal users to read this article.

If you've lost any money or spot an unauthorised transaction on your account, you should contact your bank immediately using the number found on the back of your card. Scams should be reported to Report Fraud, or by calling the police on 101 if you live in Scotland.

If you do not have a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your road and can set one up for me please, I can forward you more details.  A scheme can be anything from 5 properties upwards and the main role of a Coordinator is to circulate the Alerts on crimes and scams to your neighbours either via email or posting on a WhatsApp or Facebook Group for your area. You will receive free signs, stickers, leaflets and discounts for your neighbours.

I can be contacted via my e-mail address:  ajmy5m7@gmail.com or by phoning Newbury 40866 / 07774962641. 

Angela Money BEM

Area Representative - West Berkshire Neighbourhood Watch