MONEY saving expert Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning to Brits not to fall for the latest scam.
The founder of MoneySavingExpert.com has said criminals are using a new tactic to steal people’s hard-earned cash.
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He took to Twitter and posted the announcement from his handle @MartinSLewis.
It read: “Warning from Martin Lewis.
“Sadly criminals are again hard pushing scams using my face and name, often with pics from TV shows.
“Be aware.
“I DON’T appear in adverts, so all are scams.
“I DON’T agree to be in promoted posts.
“Owt with me saying invest in Bitcoin code/trader (or similar) or get rich quick, or investment tricks is a scam.
“If in doubt, don’t.”
The TV presenter advised Brits to always check by searching on MoneySavingExpert.com to see if he has approved it.
He said if it isn’t on his website – don’t trust it.
Twitter users revealed in the comment section that they had been targeted already.
One wrote: “My wife said to me yesterday that you were advocating ETH. I told her straight away it was a scam. Even she fell for it! Terrible.”
Another commented: “My Facebook feed has been bombarded today with scams featuring Martin Lewis and I have reported them all.”
“I have been scammed. Out of my inheritance. I need help if you could help me please,” posted another.
Other advised the money expert to retweet his post every morning, afternoon and evening as it is such a successful scam.
The journalist previously convinced Facebook to invest £3million tackling online fraud and scam adverts.
He dropped his lawsuit against the social media giant for hosting fake adverts featuring his name and face as they team up to tackle online fraudsters.
Facebook now has a feature that acts as a reporting tool to allow users to flag scam adverts when they see one.
Consumer charity network Citizens Advice set up the new project – called Citizens Advice Scams Action – using Facebook’s £3m donation.
This comes as hackers and crooks increasingly turn to Facebook to get cash out of innocent victims.
According to Jamie Akhtar, the CEO of CyberSmart, there are three main scams on the social media app.
The “disabled account” push, the “romance scam” and the “bogus job offer.”
How to stay safe
According to the Met Police
- Be suspicious of all ‘too good to be true’ offers and deals. There are no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes.
- Don’t agree to offers or deals immediately -insist on time to get independent or legal advice before making a decision.
- Don’t hand over money or sign anything until you’ve checked someone’s credentials and their company’s.
- Never send money to anyone you don’t know or trust, whether in the UK or abroad, or use methods of payment you’re not comfortable with.
- Never give banking or personal details to anyone you don’t know or trust -this information is valuable so make sure you protect it.
- Always log on to a website directly rather than clicking on links in an email.
- Don’t just rely on glowing testimonials. Find solid, independent evidence of a company’s success.
- Always get independent or legal advice if an offer involves money, time or commitment.
- If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help.
- Don’t be embarrassed about reporting a scam – by reporting it, you’ll make it more difficult for them to deceive others.
How to report a scam
Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime where you should report fraud if you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime.
If you think you’ve uncovered a scam, been targeted by a scam or fallen victim to fraudsters, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at Action Fraud.
This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you are calling from abroad please call +44 300 123 2040.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can contact us on textphone 0300 123 2050.
You can also call 101 if you know the suspect or they’re still in the area.
