🚨 Latest Scams to Watch Out For in 2025

1. Parking Fine Scam

You get a text or email claiming you owe a parking fine, with a link to a fake government site. Once you enter your details, they steal your money.
What to do: Don’t click any links. Local authorities rarely send fines by text. Report scam texts to 7726.

2. QR Code Jacking (Quishing)

Scammers replace real QR codes in public places or emails with fake ones. Once scanned, they send you to malicious sites that steal your info or money.
What to do: Only scan codes you trust. Type in URLs manually whenever possible.

3. Booking.com & Travel Scams

Scammers send fake emails asking you to confirm bookings or update payment info. Often, they clone websites to steal your money.
What to do: Always contact the hotel or site directly using official channels.

4. Vehicle Deposit Scam

Fake car listings ask for a deposit before viewing. Once you pay, the ad disappears.
What to do: Never pay before seeing a car in person. Use trusted dealers and secure payment options.

5. Bogus Giveaways

Scammers send texts or WhatsApp messages offering fake airline tickets, gift cards, or prizes to lure you into phishing traps.
What to do: If it looks too good to be true, it is. Avoid clicking unknown links or giving away personal info.

6. Energy Refund Scams

Emails claim you’re owed a refund from your energy provider, asking for bank details.
What to do: Real suppliers already have your info. Don’t give it out again—contact them directly if unsure.

7. Fake Debt Collectors

Scammers may claim you owe money to companies that don’t exist or have closed.
What to do: Verify the debt through your actual supplier. Don’t be pressured into paying immediately.

8. Fake Energy-Saving Devices

Fraudulent devices promise to cut your energy bill, but they’re either useless or unsafe.
What to do: Only buy from trusted retailers. Look for legitimate safety certifications.

9. Doorstep Energy Scams

Criminals offer discount energy top-ups at your door using cloned keys, leaving you to pay twice.
What to do: Never top up from strangers. Always go through your supplier.

10. Fake Holiday Listings

Scammers post beautiful rentals online, ask for a deposit, then disappear.
What to do: Always book through secure, trusted platforms and use protected payment methods.

11. Clone Booking Websites

Scammers create fake versions of real booking sites to steal login and card details.
What to do: Never follow links in emails—always type in the website yourself.

12. Holiday Refund Scams

After a legitimate cancellation, scammers pose as the travel company offering refunds.
What to do: Contact the company directly using their official website or number.

13. Job Offer Scams

Fake jobs ask you to pay upfront for training, uniforms, or background checks—or to call expensive numbers.
What to do: Real employers don’t charge you to apply or interview. Be cautious with unsolicited job offers.

14. Romance Scams

Scammers build fake online relationships and then invent emergencies to ask for money.
What to do: Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. Keep conversations on dating apps.

15. Fake Shopping Sites

You place an order and never receive the item or your card info gets stolen.
What to do: Only shop on secure, verified websites. Check reviews before you buy.

16. Delivery Scams

Fake texts claim you missed a parcel delivery or owe a small fee. The links lead to phishing sites.
What to do: If you weren’t expecting a package, delete it. Go to the courier’s official site to check.

17. Fake Coupons & WhatsApp Deals

Scammers promise massive discounts through dodgy links that steal your info.
What to do: Don’t click. Only use coupons from trusted sources or brands.

18. Investment Scams

You’re promised quick, guaranteed returns from crypto or forex investments. Scammers often use fake websites and testimonials.
What to do: If it’s too good to be true, it’s fake. Never invest under pressure—check with official investment regulators in your country, like the SEC or FINRA in the U.S.

19. Pension & Tax Scams

Scammers pose as tax authorities or pension advisors (such as the IRS in the U.S.) offering early withdrawals or tax refunds..
What to do: Legitimate agencies won’t call or email you out of the blue. Always verify through official government channels.

20. Ticket Scams

Fake event tickets are sold online—once you pay, the seller disappears.
What to do: Only buy from official vendors or authorized resellers.

💡 Stay Safe Tips:

• Never click unknown links or scan unfamiliar QR codes

• Use tools like Ask Silver (via WhatsApp) to check suspicious messages

• Forward scam texts to 7726

• Report scams to your local authorities or official fraud reporting centers (e.g., FTC in the U.S.)

Stay sharp,

-scamxposer