Social Media Bus Pass Scam Prompts Warning

Residents in Suffolk have received a caution regarding a social media account engaged in defrauding bus users. Suffolk Trading Standards advised individuals utilizing Ipswich Buses to exercise caution before acquiring a purported Smartcard, advertised as offering six months of travel for only £2. This Facebook promotion, named “Ipswich public transport smart card” and displaying pictures of local buses, has been identified as fraudulent. The public has been instructed to “not click on any links or provide personal data” because “this is not a genuine offer”. A spokesperson for trading standards further stated: “We’ve become aware of a fake Facebook page purporting to be Ipswich Buses.” “The page is offering 500 Smartcards with six months travel for £2 each.” “We can confirm this is a scam.” The social media account asserted that the initiative would “enhance city mobility and promote public transport” and that the special offer was only available until the month’s end. The advertisement falsely stated it had the endorsement of the town’s mayor. Suffolk Trading Standards indicated that this fraudulent activity was also impacting other regions of the UK, noting: “The posts mimic city transport authorities and bus operators in cities including Edinburgh, Wolverhampton, Glasgow, Bristol, Nottingham, Birmingham, Cardiff, Walsall, Newport, Newcastle, Coventry, and Brighton.“If you think you have been targeted by the scam, please speak to your bank and report this to Action Fraud.” Dan Bassett, the managing director of Ipswich Buses, stated: “Ipswich Buses were alerted to the presence of a Facebook account posing as the company on Thursday morning. “We took immediate steps to make our customers aware, through our official social media channels, that this is not in any way associated with Ipswich Buses. We have also reported that fake Facebook page to the relevant authorities. “Customers should be aware that all information, promotions and messaging about Ipswich Buses is always provided through our own website, Facebook and Twitter pages and not from other sources.” For updates on Suffolk news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.