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Podcast Summary
Online Shopping and Delivery Scams
Summary:
In the first section of the podcast we cover the top three online shopping scams highlighted by NatWest's 'Scamvent calendar' which include phone purchases, ticket sales, and fraudulent gift card and voucher schemes.
Key Insights:
- Always be wary when making purchases on social media marketplaces
- Avoid saving your payment details with unknown or rarely used online retailers
- Use caution when receiving unexpected delivery messages, as scammers often use these tactics to steal personal and financial information.
- Be wary of tampered QR codes at restaurants and car parks
Impersonation Scams: Banks, HMRC, and Winter Fuel Payments
Summary:
In this section we emphasize the need to be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from banks, HMRC, or other trusted organizations.
Key Insights:
- If you receive an unsolicited call claiming to be from your bank, do not engage with the caller. Hang up the phone and call your bank back using the number on the back of your debit/credit card
- HMRC will never send text messages asking you to click on a link to claim a tax refund or pay a tax bill - this is a common tactic used by scammers to steal your personal and financial information
- Be mindful of a Text scam that is designed to get you to provide personal details under the pretence that you are registering your interest in receiving the Winter Fuel payment
- Use the 159 service as a way to verify the legitimacy of bank calls
AI Scams: Voice Cloning and Deep Fakes
In the final section of the podcast we look at the growing threat of AI-generated deepfakes by taking a quiz to see if we could spot the real videos from the deepfakes.
Key Insights:
- Look for blurring or inconsistencies around the mouth and facial features - deepfakes can struggle to accurately replicate natural movements and expressions.
- Pay attention to blinking patterns - people in deepfake videos may blink less frequently than in a real video.
- Check for lighting and shadow issues - the lighting and shadows on the subject's face may not match the surrounding environment in a deepfake.
- Scrutinize any videos of public figures or celebrities - these are common targets for deepfake creators, so be extra cautious.
- Remember that even high-quality deepfakes can be difficult to detect - maintain a sceptical mindset when consuming any online video or audio content.
Episode quiz
Questions
- What is the best way to check whether you are due a refund from HMRC
a) Click on a link you received via text message
b) Log in to your online account using your Government Gateway ID
c) Click on a link you received via email
d) Reply to a voicemail you have received - Which of the following is a sign that a text message from a courier company may be a scam?a) The message claims your delivery is stuck or needs a fee
b) The message provides a link to click for more information
c) The message is from a different courier company than the one you used
d) All of the above - Which of the following is NOT a recommended tip for avoiding Card Not Present fraud?a) Saving your card details on multiple retailer websites and apps
b) Using a VPN when making online purchases
c) Checking your bank statements regularly
d) Avoiding public Wi-Fi when making purchases - Which of the following is not a sign that a video may be a deepfake?a) Blurring around the mouth
b) Issues with lip-syncing
c) Poor picture quality or buffering issues
d) Unnatural facial expressions - Where can you find resources and help if you have been a victim of fraud?a) Action Fraud
b) Citizens Advice Consumer Service
c) The Money to the Masses website
d) All of the above
Answers
- b) Log in to your online account using your Government Gateway ID
- d) All of the above
- a) Saving your card details on multiple retailer websites and apps
- c) Poor picture quality or buffering issues
- d) All of the above
Resources
Links referred to in the podcast:
- Best budgeting apps in the UK for 2025
- My bank helped fraudsters steal £4k from my children's savings
- What are the new APP fraud reimbursement rules?
