Latest news with #PaulHampson
Wales Online
06-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
'Vanishing' warning issued to anyone looking to buy a puppy
'Vanishing' warning issued to anyone looking to buy a puppy Pet fraud is surging, with one particular scam catching people out Paul Hampson said the average victim lost £307 to the scam, but fraud experts have revealed they have seen much bigger losses (Image: Getty ) Experts are warning the public against cruel scammers following a sharp rise in online puppy scams, leaving victims 'thousands' of pounds out of pocket. According to Action Fraud, reports of pet fraud surged by 24 per cent in 2023 compared to the previous year. And experts predict it is rising year on year. Fraudsters are posing as breeders online - using fake listings, stolen images and even counterfeit websites to lure in unsuspecting buyers. Victims often asked to pay deposits or additional fees for delivery and insurance, only to find the 'seller' vanishing without a trace. Action Fraud's data shows the average victim lost £307, but fraud experts have revealed they have seen much bigger losses. Paul Hampson, director of CEL Solicitors, said the scams are causing significant emotional and financial distress: 'Buying a puppy should be a joyful and exciting experience, but it is turning into heartbreak for many. 'These scams can be incredibly convincing and how devastating the aftermath is for victims. People have paid thousands for new puppies, particularly during the Coronavirus lockdown, and the dogs just didn't exist. 'These fraudsters know how to pull on heartstrings. They'll show you stolen pictures of adorable puppies, promise quick delivery and then disappear once they've got your money. It's calculated and it's cruel.' Article continues below Scammers frequently target buyers on social media marketplaces, using urgent language to pressure victims into sending money quickly - often via untraceable methods such as bank transfers or gift cards. 'Look out for poorly written or vague ads and sellers pushing for a quick sale. They might pressure you or make it seem like others are interested to speed up your decision. This could include using multiple fake accounts to comment on posts,' Paul said. 'You should also ask for vet records or proof of pedigree, if the seller is reluctant to share this, you should be questioning 'why?'' CEL Solicitors, which specialises in fraud recovery, has helped victims reclaim lost funds and is now warning prospective pet owners to stay alert. 'Always research the breeder, ask to see the puppy in person or at least have a live video call, and never pay using unsecured methods,' Paul advised. 'If something feels off, it probably is. While offers on social media and other platforms might seem tempting, sticking to recognised sources is best.' To safely rehome a four-legged friend, consider adopting through charities like Dogs Trust, RSPCA or Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, which do not require upfront payments. Or look for Kennel Club-approved breeders, who undergo thorough checks. Article continues below Paul said: 'If you do send money to a scammer, report it to your bank and Action Fraud as soon as possible. Report the account to the platform you encountered the scam on. Seek legal support as firms might be able to recover the funds you lost.'
South Wales Guardian
19-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Royal Mail warning issued over parcel delivery text scam
The scam begins with a text message claiming a parcel delivery attempt has failed. It contains a link to reschedule or pay a small fee - often just £1.99 or £2.99. But the link leads to a fake Royal Mail website designed to steal personal and financial details. Paul Hampson, CEO of fraud and scams experts CEL Solicitors, said: 'It's terrifyingly believable. "These messages look and sound exactly like the real thing, and with so many of us expecting parcels at any given time, it's incredibly easy to fall for.' Once a victim clicks the link and enters their information, scammers often follow up with a phone call, pretending to be from the victim's bank. 'They'll say your account has been compromised and ask you to transfer your money to a 'safe' account,' Mr Hampson explained. 'This is where people lose thousands - it's sophisticated and cruel.' This type of scam has resurfaced repeatedly over the past few years, especially during lockdown and peak delivery periods like Christmas, Black Friday and the summer sales. 'We saw this exact scam go viral back in 2021, and sadly it's just as effective now,' Mr Hampson said. 'Scammers recycle what works - they tweak the details, but the core tactic is the same. 'The branding is spot-on, the language feels official, and the sense of urgency is designed to bypass your common sense. 'Even people who think they'd never fall for a scam can be caught off guard.' CEL Solicitors has seen a marked rise in delivery-related scams over the past 12 months, with losses ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of pounds. Mr Hampson's advice is clear: don't click the link. 'If you receive a message like this, go directly to the official Royal Mail website and track your delivery there. "Never give out your details via a text link.' He also urges the public to report scam messages by forwarding them to 7726, a free service used by mobile networks to investigate fraud. 'Scammers rely on panic and speed,' he said. 'If something doesn't feel right, slow down, double-check, and always trust your instincts.' Recommended reading: Royal Mail to increase stamp prices again this April How to make a claim if your Royal Mail parcel goes missing Royal Mail: Can I still use old first and second-class stamps? To verify if a text from Royal Mail is genuine, check if it's asking for personal information or payments, as Royal Mail won't do this. If the text includes a link, be cautious and don't click on it unless you've independently confirmed it's a genuine Royal Mail link. You can also visit the Royal Mail website to report suspicious messages or check for current scam alerts.
