A few years ago, most people rarely encountered them. Today, they’re everywhere. We scan them to pay for parking, order food in restaurants, access event information, download apps and visit websites. They’re quick, convenient and, for most of us, completely routine.

That’s exactly why scammers have started using them.

As summer arrives and people spend more time travelling, attending festivals, eating out and exploring new places, QR code scams become increasingly effective. Security experts often refer to these scams as “quishing”, a combination of QR code and phishing, but the principle is surprisingly simple.

Instead of sending you a suspicious email link, scammers encourage you to scan a QR code.

The result is often the same.

You end up on a fake website designed to steal personal information, payment details or login credentials.

The challenge is that QR codes feel trustworthy. Unlike a suspicious email or text message, a QR code doesn’t immediately trigger alarm bells. It’s just a square pattern on a poster, a table, a parking machine or a leaflet. Most people scan first and think later.

That’s what scammers are counting on.

Imagine arriving in an unfamiliar town and parking your car. You walk over to the payment machine and see a QR code offering a quick and easy way to pay. It seems perfectly normal. You scan it, enter your card details and carry on with your day.

What you may not realise is that the original QR code has been covered with a fake sticker. The payment page looks convincing, but the money isn’t going to the car park operator. It’s going to a scammer.

The same thing can happen at restaurants, festivals, train stations and tourist attractions. In some cases, the QR code itself isn’t fake, but it directs users to a cloned website that closely resembles a legitimate business. The branding looks right, the layout looks professional and the process feels familiar.

By the time something feels wrong, the information has already been handed over.

What makes these scams particularly effective is that they exploit convenience. QR codes were designed to remove steps and make life easier. Instead of typing a web address, you simply scan and continue. Instead of searching for a website, you arrive there instantly.

Convenience is useful, but it can also encourage people to skip the checks they would normally make.

Scammers understand this. They know that people are often distracted when they scan QR codes. Perhaps they’re trying to catch a train, pay for parking before a meeting or quickly order food while talking to friends. These are moments when attention is divided and decisions are made quickly.

The scam doesn’t need to be sophisticated. It simply needs to appear at the right moment.

Another reason QR code scams work so well is that most people never see the destination before they arrive. When you click a link in an email, you might hover over it or inspect the address. With a QR code, the process feels more automatic. Many people scan without checking where the code is taking them.

That blind trust is exactly what criminals are exploiting.

The good news is that avoiding these scams doesn’t require technical expertise. It simply requires a brief pause.

If a QR code appears in an unexpected place, looks like it has been stuck over another code or immediately asks for payment information, it’s worth taking a closer look. After scanning, check the website address before entering any details. If something feels unusual, stop and verify it through official channels.

Most importantly, remember that a QR code is simply another way of opening a web link. The same caution you would apply to an email link should apply to a QR code.

Protect yourself with Stop · Check · Ask · Monitor (SCAM)

STOP

Pause before scanning or entering information. Convenience should never replace caution.

CHECK

After scanning, take a moment to check the website address carefully. Make sure it matches the organisation or service you expect to be dealing with.

ASK

Ask yourself whether the request makes sense. If you’re unsure, speak to a member of staff or visit the organisation’s official website directly.

MONITOR

If you’ve entered personal or financial information, keep an eye on your accounts and transactions. The sooner suspicious activity is spotted, the easier it is to deal with.

A final reminder this June

Scammers don’t always need to send a suspicious email or text message.

Sometimes, all they need is a small black-and-white square in exactly the right place.

Before you scan, take a moment to stop, check, ask and monitor.

BeScamAware – Stay alert, stay safe.
Stop · Check · Ask · Monitor

The post The QR Code Scam (Quishing) appeared first on BeScamAware.

Scammers know this.

Ticket scams increase sharply in late spring and early summer, when demand is high and availability is limited. What looks like a genuine opportunity to secure tickets can quickly turn into a loss of money with nothing in return.

How the scam works

It often starts with a simple post or message, someone claims to have spare tickets for a popular event. They may say they can no longer attend, or that a friend has dropped out. The tone is casual and believable, sometimes even friendly.

Photos of tickets or confirmation emails may be shared as proof. In many cases, these are fake, edited or reused from genuine listings.

The buyer is asked to transfer money directly, often through bank transfer or another non-refundable method, to secure the tickets quickly. Once payment is sent, the tickets never arrive, or they turn out to be invalid or already used.

In some cases, the scammer disappears entirely. In others, they continue to respond with excuses until communication stops.

Why this scam is so effective

Ticket scams work because they tap into normal behaviour, not unusual mistakes. Most people have experienced the pressure of trying to secure tickets for something popular, and scammers build their approach around that.

The fear of missing out on events

When a popular concert or festival sells out, it creates a strong sense of urgency. People don’t just want tickets, they don’t want to miss the experience, especially if friends are going or it’s something they’ve been looking forward to for months.

Scammers take advantage of this by presenting tickets as a rare opportunity. It might feel like a second chance after missing out during the official sale. In that moment, people are focused on securing the experience, not questioning the seller.

Limited ticket availability

Tickets for events are often genuinely limited, and people are used to seeing them disappear quickly. Messages like “only two left” or “I’ve had a lot of interest” feel completely normal in this context.

Because scarcity is expected, it doesn’t raise suspicion when a seller says tickets are about to go or that others are waiting. This makes it easier for scammers to create believable pressure without seeming unusual.

Trust in social media interactions

Many ticket scams happen on platforms people use every day. The seller might have a normal-looking profile, mutual friends, or a history of posts that make them appear genuine.

People are used to buying and selling items informally through social media, so a message offering tickets doesn’t feel out of place. A friendly tone, quick replies and casual conversation can build trust quickly, even if the account itself is fake or compromised.

The pressure to act before someone else buys

Scammers often introduce competition to speed up decision-making. They may say someone else is interested, that they’ve had multiple messages, or that they can’t hold the tickets without payment.

This creates a sense that hesitation will lead to missing out. People may skip basic checks, such as verifying the seller or questioning the payment method, because they feel they need to act immediately to secure the tickets.

Because all of this feels familiar, like something people have experienced before, it doesn’t immediately trigger suspicion.

That’s what makes it work.

The warning signs to watch for

Be cautious when buying tickets outside official platforms, especially if the seller insists on direct payment. Messages that create urgency, such as “first come, first served” or “I have other buyers waiting”, are designed to push quick decisions.

Images of tickets or confirmation emails should not be taken as proof. These can be easily faked or reused.

If the price seems unusually good for a sold-out event, or the seller avoids secure payment methods, it’s worth stepping back.

Protect yourself with Stop · Check · Ask · Monitor (SCAM)

STOP
Take a moment before sending money. If it feels rushed, that’s a warning sign.

CHECK
Use official ticket sellers or trusted resale platforms where possible. Avoid bank transfers to individuals.

ASK
Ask for verifiable proof, and consider whether the situation makes sense. If unsure, ask someone else before proceeding.

MONITOR
Keep track of your payments and accounts. If you’ve sent money and something feels wrong, contact your bank immediately.

A final reminder this May

Scammers don’t sell tickets.
They sell urgency and opportunity.

If someone is pushing you to act quickly or pay directly, take a step back.

BeScamAware – Stay alert, stay safe.
Stop · Check · Ask · Monitor

The post The Ticket & Festival Scam appeared first on BeScamAware.

Scammers know this is the time people are spending money on travel, and they take advantage of that.

Holiday booking scams increase in spring and early summer, when people are actively searching for deals, accommodation and last-minute getaways. These scams often look completely genuine and can be difficult to spot until money has already been sent.

How the holiday booking scam works

Holiday scams usually begin with a deal that looks attractive but believable. It might be a discounted hotel room, a holiday cottage, an apartment rental or even a caravan or lodge booking.

Sometimes the listing is completely fake. Other times, scammers copy real listings and repost them elsewhere with slightly lower prices to attract interest. Communication often moves away from official booking platforms and into email, text or messaging apps, where the scammer asks for a bank transfer to secure the booking.

In other cases, people receive emails that appear to come from well-known booking websites, asking them to confirm payment details or re-enter card information because there has been a “problem with the booking”. These emails lead to fake websites designed to steal payment information.

By the time people realise something is wrong, the property doesn’t exist, the booking isn’t real, or their card details have been stolen.

Why this scam is so effective

Holiday scams work because people are excited, distracted and often trying to secure a good deal quickly. When planning a trip, people are comparing prices, checking locations and managing dates, so a message about a booking or payment doesn’t feel unusual.

Holiday booking scams don’t work because people are careless, they work because people are excited, busy and trying to organise something enjoyable. Scammers take advantage of normal behaviour.

The excitement of planning a trip

When people are planning a holiday, they are thinking about flights, activities, restaurants and time off work. The focus is on the trip itself, not on security. If a message arrives about a booking confirmation, payment issue or accommodation availability, it feels like part of the normal process. People are less suspicious because they are already in a “holiday mindset” and expecting travel-related emails and messages.

Scammers know this and time their messages to look like part of the booking journey rather than something unusual.

The pressure to secure dates quickly

Holiday accommodation and flights often sell out, especially during school holidays, bank holidays and summer months. People are used to seeing messages like “Only one room left” or “Price increases in 2 hours”.

Because this pressure is normal in the travel industry, scammers use the same language. They may say someone else is interested in the property, the booking will be cancelled if payment isn’t made today, or the price will increase if you don’t confirm immediately.

This creates urgency and reduces the chance that someone will stop and double-check before sending money.

Trust in familiar booking websites

Many people use well-known booking platforms and assume anything that looks like it comes from those companies must be genuine. Scammers copy logos, colours, layouts and email formats so their messages look like they come from legitimate booking websites.

People might receive a message saying there was a problem with their payment or that their booking needs to be reconfirmed. Because they recognise the brand name, they click the link without thinking twice, not realising the website is fake.

Scammers rely heavily on brand recognition and familiarity.

The appeal of saving money

Holiday costs can be expensive, so when people see a slightly cheaper option for the same location or property, it feels like a good find. The price is often not unbelievably cheap, just cheaper than similar listings, which makes it look like a genuine deal rather than a scam.

People may think they are booking directly with the owner to avoid platform fees, or securing a last-minute cancellation deal. The idea of saving money makes people more willing to accept unusual payment methods like bank transfer instead of paying through the official platform.

When something feels like part of the normal booking process, people are less likely to question it.

People being busy and not checking details carefully

Booking a holiday often involves comparing multiple websites, checking reviews, organising travel dates and coordinating with family or friends. People are multitasking and making multiple payments around the same time, including flights, accommodation, car hire and activities.

In this busy environment, it’s easy to click a link quickly, assume a message is legitimate, or not look closely at a website address. Scammers rely on people being distracted and making quick decisions rather than careful ones.

Most scams don’t work because people don’t know about scams.
They work because people are busy, distracted and expecting normal transactions.

The warning signs to watch for

Be cautious if someone asks you to move communication outside of a booking platform, especially if they request payment by bank transfer rather than through the official website.

Watch for emails or messages saying there is a problem with your booking and asking you to click a link to confirm your payment details. Always go directly to the official website instead of using links in messages.

If a deal looks significantly cheaper than similar properties in the same area, there is usually a reason. Scammers often rely on prices that feel just cheap enough to be tempting, but not so cheap that they look obviously fake.

Protect yourself with Stop · Check · Ask · Monitor (SCAM)

STOP
Take a moment before sending money or entering payment details. Scammers rely on urgency and excitement.

CHECK
Only use official booking websites and payment systems. Avoid bank transfers for holiday accommodation unless you are certain the provider is legitimate.

ASK
Ask the property owner questions, search the property online, and consider whether the deal makes sense compared to other listings.

MONITOR
Keep an eye on your bank and card transactions after booking holidays online. If anything looks unusual, contact your bank immediately.

A final reminder this April

Scammers don’t book holidays.
They book opportunities to take your money.

If a booking asks you to leave the platform, pay by transfer, or click a payment link, pause before continuing.

BeScamAware – Stay alert, stay safe.
Stop · Check · Ask · Monitor

The post The Holiday Booking Scam appeared first on BeScamAware.

Scammers know that.

Every year, as the 5 April tax year deadline approaches, fake tax refund messages begin to circulate. They arrive by text, email or even phone call, claiming you are due a rebate or that urgent action is required on your tax account.

It sounds routine. Official. Timely.

That’s exactly why it works.

How the HMRC refund scam works

A message lands in your inbox or on your phone. It may say you are owed a tax refund, sometimes for a specific amount. Other versions claim there has been an issue with your National Insurance number or that your tax record needs urgent verification.

You are asked to click a link to claim your refund or avoid penalties.

The website often looks convincing, using official logos, colours and language. It may ask for personal details such as your full name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number. Some versions request bank or card details so the “refund” can be processed.

There is no refund.

Instead, your information is harvested for identity fraud, or your bank details are used to attempt unauthorised payments.

Why this scam is so effective in March

Tax is something most adults deal with at some point. Whether employed, self-employed, retired or running a business, contact from HMRC does not feel unusual.

Scammers take advantage of this familiarity. They rely on:

• The expectation of end-of-year tax communication
• The appeal of unexpected money
• Fear of penalties or fines
• Official-looking language and branding

A refund feels like good news. An urgent tax warning feels serious. Both trigger quick reactions.

The warning signs to watch for

HMRC does not notify people of tax refunds by text message asking for bank details. They do not send links requesting immediate verification of your account, and they do not threaten arrest, legal action or fines within hours.

While HMRC may send legitimate texts in some circumstances, they will never ask for personal or financial information by text message, nor will they pressure you to click a link to release a refund. Official communication about refunds is typically handled through your secure online tax account or by formal letter.

Scammers, however, design their messages to look urgent and convincing.

Be cautious if you notice generic greetings such as “Dear customer” or “Dear taxpayer” rather than your full name. Official government communication is usually personalised and specific.

Pay attention to the language used. Poor grammar, awkward phrasing or spelling errors can be a sign of fraud, although some scam messages are now written very professionally. The web address is often the biggest giveaway. Fake links may include extra words, unusual characters or slight misspellings designed to resemble official sites.

Any request for personal details, passwords, bank information or card numbers via text or email should raise concern immediately. HMRC will not ask for this information in that way.

Be especially wary of threats of immediate legal action, arrest, frozen bank accounts or large penalties unless you act straight away. These messages are designed to trigger panic and override rational thinking. Genuine tax processes follow formal procedures and allow time for response. They do not rely on fear or countdown timers.

Scammers rely on speed and emotion. Genuine tax processes do not.

If a message pushes you to act before you have time to think, that is your signal to pause.

Protect yourself with Stop · Check · Ask · Monitor (SCAM)

STOP

Pause before clicking. A genuine refund will not disappear if you take time to verify it.

CHECK

Do not use the link in the message. Instead, go directly to the official GOV.UK website by typing the address into your browser yourself. Log in to your tax account independently.

ASK

Ask yourself whether you were expecting a refund. If unsure, speak to someone you trust or contact HMRC through official channels listed on GOV.UK.

MONITOR

Keep an eye on your bank statements, credit activity and email accounts. If you have entered details into a suspicious site, contact your bank immediately and consider monitoring your credit file.

If you’ve already responded

If you have clicked a link or entered personal details, act quickly.

Contact your bank straight away if financial information was shared. Change passwords on any affected accounts. Report the message to your mobile provider or email service, and consider reporting the scam through official fraud reporting channels.

Acting quickly can significantly reduce the impact.

A final reminder this March

Scammers don’t send refunds.
They send links.

If a tax message creates urgency or promises unexpected money, take a moment before responding.

BeScamAware – Stay alert, stay safe.
Stop · Check · Ask · Monitor

The post The HMRC Tax Refund Scam appeared first on BeScamAware.

In the weeks leading up to 14 February, romance scams increase sharply. They target people who may be lonely, recently single, widowed, or simply open to meeting someone new. These scams don’t begin with money or demands. They begin with attention.

A message arrives. A match appears. Conversation flows easily and quickly, often feeling more intense than expected. Personal stories are shared, trust builds, and an emotional connection forms. It feels exciting, reassuring, and genuine.

That is the bait.

Plans to meet are often suggested early, then quietly postponed. There’s always a reason. Work commitments, travel, unexpected emergencies. Over time, the focus shifts. A problem appears, followed by a request for help. It might be money, gift cards or cryptocurrency. By the time this happens, emotional investment is already high, and the request doesn’t feel as alarming as it should.

Once money is sent, the situation usually changes. Some scammers disappear immediately. Others continue, creating new crises and escalating their requests. What started as connection becomes manipulation.

Why Valentine’s romance scams work so well

Romance scammers are patient and persuasive. Many operate in organised networks and understand human emotion extremely well. They exploit loneliness and hope, emotional vulnerability, and the desire to feel chosen or understood.

Valentine’s Day adds an extra layer of pressure. It’s a time when connection feels more urgent and being alone can feel more visible. Scammers use this context to their advantage, creating a sense that the relationship is special, rare, and worth protecting.

The warning signs are often subtle

Many romance scams follow familiar patterns. The person may claim a profession that explains distance and travel, such as working on oil rigs, serving in the military, or being based overseas. Video calls are avoided or endlessly delayed. Emotional attachment moves quickly, with phrases like “I’ve never felt this way before” appearing early on.

Scammers often push conversations away from dating platforms and into private messaging apps, where there is less oversight. And eventually, there is always a request for financial help.

Real relationships do not come with secrecy or urgency.

Using Stop · Check · Ask · Monitor (SCAM)

If something feels off, slow down. Emotional pressure is one of the biggest red flags in romance scams. Genuine relationships allow time and space.

Take a moment to check what you’re being told. Reverse-image search profile photos and look for inconsistencies in their story. Details that change or don’t quite add up are important.

Ask questions, both of the person and of yourself. Why can’t they video call, even briefly? Why does everything feel rushed? Why can’t they access their own money? It can also help to ask a trusted friend. People outside the situation often spot red flags more easily because they’re not emotionally invested.

Continue to monitor behaviour over time. Sudden crises, repeated money requests, guilt or emotional manipulation are not coincidences. Trust patterns, not promises.

If you think you’re being targeted

Stop sending money immediately and cut contact. Report the account to the platform you met them on, and contact your bank as soon as possible if money has already been sent.

There is no shame in being targeted. These scams are designed to deceive, and they work because they feel real.

A reminder this Valentine’s Day

Scammers don’t fall in love.
They manufacture it.

Real connections don’t ask for secrecy, speed, or money.

BeScamAware – Stay alert, stay safe.
Stop · Check · Ask · Monitor

The post Valentine’s Day, Romance, and the Scams That Thrive on AttentionThe Valentine’s Romance Scam appeared first on BeScamAware.

Some start with an offer that looks genuine, fairly priced and familiar, only to change once you’re already engaged. By the time the difference becomes clear, many people feel committed, uncomfortable backing out, or unsure whether what’s happening even counts as a scam.

This is known as a bait and switch tactic, and it’s one we’re seeing more often.

That’s why we’ve added Bait and Switch Scams to the Scam Methods section on BeScamAware.

Why this matters now

Bait and switch scams thrive in everyday situations. They appear in places people already trust, such as online shopping, job searches, subscriptions and service bookings. Because the initial offer feels normal, the change often goes unchallenged.

As more services move online and competition for attention increases, misleading offers are becoming harder to spot. What once might have felt suspicious can now look routine, especially when small changes are introduced gradually.

Why people don’t always spot it

Unlike many scams, bait and switch tactics don’t rely on panic or urgency. They rely on momentum.

Once time, effort or expectation has been invested, people are more likely to continue, even when the offer no longer matches what they originally agreed to. That doesn’t mean they’ve made a mistake. It means the situation has been designed to make walking away feel difficult.

A new page to help you recognise the signs

We’ve added this page to help people pause and reassess when an offer changes, rather than feeling pressured to accept it.

Our new Bait and Switch Scams page explains how these tactics work, where they commonly appear and what to look out for before committing.

You can explore it here:
https://bescamaware.org/learn/scam-methods/bait-and-switch-scams/

Staying one step ahead

Scams don’t always look like scams.

Sometimes, the warning sign is simply that the deal isn’t the same as the one you were offered at the start.

BeScamAware – Stay alert, stay safe.
Stop · Check · Ask · Monitor

The post Why We’ve Added Bait and Switch Scams to BeScamAware appeared first on BeScamAware.

Recently, they’ve returned, quietly, and in a different form.

At BeScamAware, we’re seeing modelling scams reappear across social media, email and online advertising, but with a broader reach and a more believable angle. These scams are no longer aimed at one age group. They are designed to appeal to anyone who might be curious, open-minded or flattered by an unexpected opportunity.

That change is why we’ve added Modelling Scams to our Scam Methods section.

What’s changed?

The modelling industry itself has changed. Advertising now actively looks for diversity, authenticity and people who don’t fit traditional stereotypes. Older models, everyday faces and real-life stories are far more visible than they once were.

Scammers have noticed.

By mirroring this shift, fraudulent agencies are able to present offers that feel current and realistic. Phrases like “real people”, “no experience needed” or “mature models wanted” blend seamlessly into today’s advertising landscape. What once might have raised suspicion now feels normal.

Why people don’t see it coming

Modern modelling scams don’t rely on pressure or dramatic promises. They tend to unfold slowly, beginning with encouragement and reassurance rather than demands.

For many people, the idea of exploring an opportunity like this feels harmless. It’s not about chasing fame. It’s about curiosity, confidence or trying something new. That’s what makes these scams effective and why they can catch people of any age off guard.

Because the experience doesn’t feel like a “typical scam”, many people don’t realise what’s happening until money has already changed hands.

Why we’ve added this page now

We include new scam methods on BeScamAware when we see patterns emerging, not just isolated cases.

Modelling scams are resurfacing in a way that reflects how people live and interact online today. They deserve attention, explanation and clear guidance, especially as many people don’t realise these scams ever went away.

Our new page is designed to help people recognise the signs early, understand why these offers feel convincing and feel confident walking away when something doesn’t sit right.

You can explore it here:
https://bescamaware.org/learn/scam-methods/modelling-scams/

Staying one step ahead

Scams don’t stay the same. They adapt to culture, technology and social change.

By understanding how older scams reappear in new forms, we can spot them faster and stop them sooner.

That’s why awareness matters.

BeScamAware – Stay alert, stay safe.
Stop · Check · Ask · Monitor

The post Modelling Scams Are Making a Comeback appeared first on BeScamAware.

“We were unable to deliver your parcel. Please confirm your details to rearrange delivery.”

This is one of the most common and effective scams in the UK right now, and it works because it feels normal.

How the scam works

1. You receive a text claiming to be from a delivery company
2. It says a parcel couldn’t be delivered or needs a small fee
3. A link is included to “resolve the issue”
4. The website looks convincing and asks for personal or card details
5. Your information is captured and misused, sometimes within minutes

No parcel ever existed.

Why this scam is so effective

Scammers rely on:

• Our expectation of online deliveries
• Busy routines and divided attention
• Small amounts (“just £1.99”) that feel low-risk
• Familiar brand language and formatting

They don’t need to fool everyone, just enough people acting quickly.

The warning signs to look for

• Unexpected delivery messages
• Pressure to act quickly
• Links that don’t match the official website
• Requests for payment or personal details via text

Even if you are waiting for a parcel, this still applies.

How to protect yourself using Stop · Check · Ask · Monitor (SCAM)

STOP – Interrupt the rush

Pause before clicking. Scammers rely on speed and distraction.

These messages are designed to:

• Arrive when you’re busy or tired
• Create urgency (“final notice”, “delivery failed”)
• Push quick action before you think

Take a breath.
No genuine delivery company will cancel a parcel because you didn’t click a link within minutes.

CHECK – Use safe verification

Never use the link in the message.

Instead:

• Open a browser and type the delivery company’s official website yourself
• Log into your account separately, if you have one
• Check recent orders or tracking emails

Also check:

• The sender’s number or email address
• Spelling, grammar, and unusual web addresses

If the message is genuine, you’ll see the same information through official channels.

ASK – Question before you act

Ask yourself:

• Was I actually expecting a delivery today?
• Would a delivery company ask for personal or payment details by text?
• Why isn’t this information already linked to my account?

Then ask someone you trust:

• A friend
• A family member
• A colleague

A second opinion can stop a scam in seconds.

MONITOR – Watch for signs of compromise

If you’ve clicked a link or entered details, monitoring matters.

Keep an eye on:

• Bank statements for unusual payments
• Card activity, especially small test charges
• Email and account alerts
• Password reset notifications you didn’t request

If something looks wrong, act immediately, contacting your bank quickly can limit losses.

If you’ve clicked or entered details, act immediately.

What to do if you’ve already clicked

• Contact your bank straight away
• Change any passwords entered
• Monitor your accounts closely
• Report the message as spam on your phone

Acting quickly can limit the damage.

Final thought

Scams don’t work because people are careless.
They work because scammers understand behaviour.

A moment’s pause can make all the difference.

BeScamAware – Stay alert, stay safe.

The post The “Missed Delivery” Text Message Scam appeared first on BeScamAware.

It’s a quiet evening. The tree lights are twinkling, the kettle’s on, and your phone buzzes with a message from someone you know, a friend, a sibling, a colleague.

“Hey, I need your help urgently… can you send me some money?”

Your heart jumps. They sound desperate. They might say their phone is broken, their wallet was stolen, or they’re stuck abroad.
But before you send anything, remember: it might not be them.

This is one of the fastest-growing scams at Christmas, preying on our instinct to help those we care about.

How the Scam Works

Scammers break into social media or messaging accounts, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, or create convincing clones of them. They then message the victim’s contacts pretending to be them.

The message usually:

• feels urgent,
• uses emotional appeal,
• and asks for money, vouchers, or bank transfers.

They may say:

“My phone died, message me here.”
“I can’t access my account, can you pay this bill for me?”
“Please don’t call, I’m embarrassed.”

By creating an emotional, pressured moment, scammers stop you from pausing to think.

Warning Signs

• The person claims they can’t talk or can’t video call.
• They ask for money, gift cards, or bank transfers.
• Their messages feel rushed, stressed, or not quite like their usual tone.
• The number or account messaging you is unfamiliar.

How to Stay Safe

1. Stop — don’t reply immediately.
2. Check by calling the real person on a number you already have saved.
3. Ask a personal question only they would know (scammers will avoid answering).
4. Monitor your own accounts, if a friend has been hacked, yours could be targeted too.

Never send money based on a message alone. Verification takes seconds; losing money takes seconds too.

A Festive Reminder

Christmas is built around kindness, connection, and generosity. Scammers exploit all three. But a quick check-in, a phone call, a voice message, a pause, can stop a scammer in their tracks.

This season, protect your circle by remembering to Stop • Check • Ask • Monitor (SCAM) every time something feels off.

And with that, you’ve completed The 12 Scams of Christmas.
Thank you for helping spread awareness and keeping others safe.

View other days of the 12 Scams of Christmas

BeScamAware.org — Stay alert, stay safe.

The post Day 12 – The “Help a Friend in Need” Scam appeared first on BeScamAware.

As the year winds down, we’re all busy juggling shopping lists, visiting family, and catching up on festive films. It’s also when we’re most likely to receive emails or texts telling us our Amazon Prime, Netflix, Disney+, or even antivirus software is about to expire.

The timing isn’t accidental, scammers know you’re distracted.

How the Scam Works

A scammer sends a fake renewal alert, claiming your subscription has expired or your payment has failed. The message looks polished and official: brand colours, logos, and even realistic account numbers.

It might say:

“Your membership has expired. Click here to update your payment details.”

When you click the link, you’re taken to a phishing page that mirrors the real service almost perfectly. You’re asked to enter:

• Email and password
• Full card details
• Billing address

Once entered, scammers have everything they need to empty your account or access other online profiles (especially if you reuse passwords).

Signs the Renewal Message Is Fake

• It creates urgency, “Immediate action required!”
• The sender’s email address is slightly wrong, like support@netfllx.com.
• The message includes a generic greeting, “Dear customer.”
• The link doesn’t match the real website (e.g. prime-renewal-check.com).
• It asks for full card information, legitimate services never request that by email.

How to Stay Safe

1. Stop before clicking any renewal link.
2. Check your subscription by going directly to the official website or app.
3. Ask yourself whether the service usually contacts you this way, many don’t.
4. Monitor your email and bank accounts if you think you clicked anything suspicious.

And remember: No genuine company will ever cancel your account out of the blue without warning through the platform itself.

A Festive Reminder

Scammers rely on stress and distraction. The more rushed you feel, the more likely you are to fall for a “failed payment” or “subscription expired” message.

So take a breath, stay calm, and always Stop • Check • Ask • Monitor before reacting. Your favourite Christmas movie isn’t going anywhere, and neither should your money.

View other days of the 12 Scams of Christmas

BeScamAware.org — Stay alert, stay safe.

The post Day 11 – The Subscription Renewal Swindle appeared first on BeScamAware.