The Radford family has issued a warning to fans, urging them to be wary of fake Facebook and Instagram accounts which are advertising ‘like and share’ giveaway scams.
Posting to their Instagram account, the Morecambe family warned fans of the imposter accounts, writing: “Scam account – we only have one Instagram and one Facebook account that are both verified.”
Shortly after reading their Instagram warning, I received a friend request a‘Radford family’ Facebook account – but this one was unverified by a blue tick.
I had encountered one of the notorious fake profiles and decided to interact with them to see what happened.
Upon first glance of the profile, it seems legitimate with a Radford Family profile picture and even some of their videos shared to the page.
However, it is missing the all important blue tick of verification – and the creator forgot to delete some of their previous selfies and personal photos which were posted further down the page.
On their Facebook profile, the fake page was offering a £1000 prize to any individual who shares the Facebook post.
The post read: “I will randomly select people on Facebook, everyone who * shares * will receive a gift card, cash, for the winner. Share now and don't miss this opportunity!
“I will choose 100 lucky people and each will get £1000.”
The post later adds that the “lucky winners” will be asked to provide their card details.
They add: “And if you ask why should you use a card? That is to confirm your address because I will send it through the bank to avoid fraud and connect to all countries to be safe and ‘legit’.
“This is free, fast ... your time is your limit, your salary. Only for 100 lucky people. God bless all.”
Worryingly, at the time of writing the post had already received 32 shares and 15 interactions.
It didn’t take long before I was sent a Facebook message, informing me that I was “chosen as a winner” and entitled to a £1000 prize from a sponsor.
They then send a link, asking me to complete my form. Giving them one more chance at honesty, I asked: “Just to check – are you the Radford family?”
“This is real,” the account owners said.
I then asked for more information and if I would need to provide any personal details upon clicking the link.
Ignoring my question, they said: “Click the official link above to claim the prize.”
“Can I check something first?” I asked.
“On Instagram you put a post out warning people of scam accounts. Can I just double check that you are real and this isn't a scam?”
Unsurprisingly, I am yet to receive a response from the account. The account has been reported to Facebook.
How to spot an online scam
According to the Lancashire constabulary website, there are numerous ways to spot online fraud.
The website states:
- If you get an email [or online message] from an unknown source, do not open it and do not click on any attachments
- No bank or card issuer will contact you by email and ask you to enter all your personal and financial details online. If you receive a message like this, report it to your bank, then delete it
- Make sure that your anti-virus software is up to date
- Never follow the messages from anti-virus software you encounter whilst on the internet. Only follow the anti-virus instructions from the software you have installed on your computer
- Ensure that your software is up to date
If you suspect you may have been a victim of fraud or online crime contact Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and internet crime reporting centre.
The Action Fraud website has lots of information about different types of frauds and scams and how to protect yourself and get safe online.
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