Latest Scams
Latest Scams to look out for
Criminals are unfortunately always coming up with new ways to catch you out. To help keep you safe, we will provide regularly updates on this page on what latest scams to be aware of.
What to do if you are a victim of fraud
If you think you have been the victim of a scam or fraud, please contact your financial services provider (building Society or bank) as soon as you can. You can contact Progressive Building Society on 02890 160950.
Vaccine scams
Scammers may pose as the NHS and send you a text messaging inviting you to sign up for the vaccinations. The text messages contain a link to an online form where you are asked to input personal details. Remember, the NHS will never ask you for details about your bank account or to pay for the vaccine.
HMRC-related scams
HMRC is urging people to be extremely cautious if contacted unexpectedly by someone claiming to be from the tax authority. HMRC has stressed it will never email, text or message individual taxpayers on social media to offer a tax rebate or refund. Taxpayers should forward any suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and send any suspicious texts to 60599.
Lock-down scam fines
Scammers may send you a text message claiming to be sent from the Government, threatening to fine you for leaving your house and demanding payment.
Fraud around short-term financial concerns
Scammers may ask you to hand over an upfront fee, usually between £25 and £450, when applying for a loan or credit that you never get. This is known as loan fee fraud or advance fee fraud.
‘Good cause’ scams
Be wary of scammers who may try to get you to hand over money for services such as the production of sanitiser, manufacture of personal protection equipment (PPE) or new drugs to treat coronavirus – with the promise of high returns to entice consumers. Reputable companies would not behave in this way.
Using the uncertainty around stock markets
Scammers may advise you to invest or transfer existing investments into non-standard investments.
Clone firms
Firms must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority to sell, promote, or advise on the sale of insurance products. Some scammers will claim to represent authorised firms to appear genuine. In particular, be aware of life insurance firms that may be cloned.
Claim Management Company scams
Be mindful of anyone who contacts you claiming to be from a Claims Management Company (CMC), insurance company or your credit card provider. They may say they can help you recover losses by submitting a claim, for the cost of a holiday or event such as a wedding cancelled due to coronavirus. They will ask you to send them some money or your bank details. Never follow instructions if you are unsure.
Speak to our team today
We’d love to talk you through the mortgage process and help you find a suitable product. For more information or to apply for an account, you can call us, email us, pop into one of our 11 branches. We look forward to hearing from you.