Fraud has risen by 16% since 2023, according to data from the BBC. With the new year in full swing, scammers will look for new ways to exploit unsuspecting victims

FRAUD in 2024 had risen by 16% since 2023, according to data from the BBC. With the new year in full swing, scammers will look for new ways to exploit unsuspecting victims.

Fortunately, Stepan Solovev, CEO & Co-founder of SOAX, has shared 5 common scams and how to avoid falling prey to them this year.

1. Double check before scanning fake QR codes.

Shopping centers are a cornerstone of the new year, but they're also a playground for criminals, as the public can be tricked into scanning counterfeit QR codes.

QR codes offer quick access to menus, event schedules, and more. However, it is easy to create fake codes that redirect users to malicious websites designed to steal personal information.

To stay safe, always verify the authenticity of a QR code before scanning. People can also closely examine the code itself and avoid ones printed on flimsy materials.

2. Think twice before joining public Wi-Fi.

January shopping is a mammoth task that takes most of the day. While in shopping centers, people might be tempted to join public Wi-Fi networks, but these can be unsecure and leave users vulnerable to hackers.

According to Norton, public networks are unencrypted and transmit data in plain text. As such, criminals on the same network can intercept sensitive information, such as:- passwords, banking details, or personal data.

Before joining any public Wi-Fi, people should confirm its legitimacy with staff and consider using a virtual private network (VPN). If they need to access sensitive accounts while out, using mobile data might be a better idea instead.

3. Be aware of fake gift cards and shipping emails.

According to AAG IT Services, criminals send 3.4 billion phishing emails per day. Scam emails are disguised as well-known retailers and delivery services and include:- links to fraudulent websites.

To avoid being scammed, be cautious when opening unsolicited emails, especially ones that include:- gift cards or are requesting payment for undelivered packages. Instead, visit the retailer's official website to confirm any information.

4. Be vigilant about unexpected deliveries.

With online shopping becoming increasingly convenient, scammers will often deliver packages with fake QR codes. These codes may claim to offer tracking updates, but more often than not they will lead to harmful websites.

Avoid being scammed by inspecting all packaging carefully and remember that legitimate businesses will not require customers to scan a QR code for further action. However, if people are still unsure, they should contact the delivery service directly.

5. Create safe words with friends and family.

Impersonation scams cost victims greatly. These happen when a scammer poses as a friend or family member in distress to request money, often through WhatsApp, text messages, or social media.

To make sure this doesn't happen, people can create a safe word with friends and family. Then, if someone receives a suspicious message, it will be easier to confirm the sender's identity and prevent fraud this new year.

By staying vigilant and following these tips, people will be better able to protect themselves and their loved ones in 2025.

Parents and carers urged to take simple steps to ensure children make the healthiest start to the New Year

THE UK Health Security Agency is reminding parents and carers in the North West of the simple steps they can take to ensure their children make the healthiest start to this School term after the Christmas break.

The new year brings with it an opportunity to teach children about the importance of good hygiene and with the recent increase in cases of flu and high levels of other respiratory viruses such as:- COVID and RSV as well as common gastrointestinal illnesses like norovirus, it's more important than ever.

The latest surveillance data from UKHSA shows that flu activity continued to increase over the Christmas break, with Hospitalisations also increasing. Flu is now circulating at high levels in the community, an increase on the levels we saw before the School holidays,

Figures are expected to rise further as children go back to School and many return to the workplace which is why it's especially important to reinforce good hygiene habits.

Dr Merav Kliner, Regional Deputy Director at UKHSA North West, said:- "It's an important time of year, as children get started on the new School term. There are simple steps that you and your family can take to help stop the spread of nasty illnesses in the next few weeks of winter, including:- making sure your child is regularly washing their hands, ensuring they are up to date with vaccinations, and knowing when to keep your child off School."

Here's more information on how to reduce the spread of infections and protect households and classrooms from illness this New Year.

Parents are encouraged to lead by example and encourage good hygiene habits such as:- using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, as well as washing hands. Regularly washing your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, or using hand sanitiser when convenient, is 1 of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs. Alcohol gels don't kill all bugs so don't rely on these.

January marks the start of a new term, with new things to learn and friends to make. Time off School can disrupt learning and also be an inconvenience for parents and carers having to stay off work. This is why it's important to know when to keep your child at home and when to send them to School. Children can stay in School with symptoms such as:- a runny nose, sore throat or slight cough if otherwise well and do not have a high temperature but should stay home if they're displaying symptoms such as:- having a fever. If your child has diarrhoea and vomiting, they should stay home for at least 48 hours after these symptoms clear up.

If you have symptoms of flu or Covid19, such as:- a high temperature, cough and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others. If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, you should consider wearing a face covering.

Stomach bugs spread easily in Schools, nurseries and households. If you or your child have diarrhoea and vomiting, washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill off norovirus so soap and warm water is best. Don't prepare food for others if you have diarrhoea or vomiting and for 48 hours after symptoms stop. If you are unwell, you should also avoid visiting people in Hospitals and care homes to avoid passing on the infection to those who are more vulnerable. Do not to return to School, nursery or work until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

Flu vaccination helps to protect against infection and severe disease. Although it is late in the programme, if you are eligible and not yet vaccinated; do still take up your offer of immunisation.

Last year, falling vaccination rates among young children resulted in a widespread measles outbreak in England, which is why it's important to check your children are up-to-date with their routine vaccinations, which protect against diseases such as:- measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria and polio. If parents are unsure of their child's vaccination status, they can check their child's red book or contact their local GP.

If you are pregnant, it's also important that you take up all vaccinations offered to you, including:- the whooping cough and the new RSV vaccine which protects newborn babies against serious illness.