Summer Scams Are Changing – Here's What to Look Out For

Summer is a busy time of year. You might be planning a holiday, buying tickets for a day out, replacing things for your home or looking for a bargain online.

Scammers know this too. They often use the summer months to target people with fake deals, convincing websites and messages that can be difficult to spot.

Knowing what to look out for can help you shop and book with more confidence.

Buying Tickets or Booking a Holiday?

Concerts, festivals, attractions and holidays can sell out quickly, so it’s easy to see why people look elsewhere for tickets or last-minute deals.

Unfortunately, that’s when scammers often step in. Fake tickets, holiday homes and travel offers are some of the most common scams during the summer.

Before you pay, take a look at who you’re buying from. Using a seller, resale website or travel company you recognise and trust can help you avoid disappointment.

If you’re paying online, using a debit or credit card may give you more protection than sending money by bank transfer if something goes wrong.

That Amazing Bargain Might Not Be What It Seems

Many scams now start with adverts on social media.

You might spot a great price on garden furniture, outdoor toys, a hot tub or even a family holiday. The advert may look genuine, but the website or seller might not be.

Before you buy, have a look around. Check the company’s website, make sure they include contact details and see what other customers have said. Reviews can be useful, but they’re only one part of the picture, so it’s worth checking a few different things before deciding to buy.

Why Scammers Want You to Act Quickly

One thing many scams have in common is urgency.

You might see messages saying:

“Today’s your last chance.”
“Only a few left.”
“Offer ends in the next 10 minutes.”

Creating pressure is a common tactic because it leaves less time to stop and think.

If something feels rushed or doesn’t seem quite right, it’s worth taking another look before you pay.

Scams Are Looking More Convincing

Scammers are getting better at making fake websites, adverts and messages look genuine.

That’s why it’s worth checking unexpected messages carefully, even if they appear to come from a company you know.

Is It Really Who They Say They Are?

Some scammers pretend to be organisations you already know, such as your bank, lender, delivery company or even a government department.

They might contact you by phone, text, email or social media and ask you to move money, share personal information or confirm security details.

If you’re ever unsure whether a message is genuine, it’s always safer to contact the organisation using contact details from their official website or previous correspondence, rather than replying to the message you’ve received.

Moneyline Will Never Ask You To...

We’ll never ask you to:

Move your money to another account.
Share your PIN, password or one-time security codes.
Download software so we can access your phone or computer.

If you’re ever unsure whether a message is really from us, get in touch using the contact details on our website or in the Moneyline app.

Enjoy Your Summer With Confidence

Scammers are always changing the way they work, but most rely on people making quick decisions without having time to check.

Whether you’re booking a holiday, buying tickets or treating your family to something special, spending a few extra minutes checking before you buy could help protect your money and give you extra peace of mind.