Passengers warned as fraudsters pose as train firm

A number of fake social media accounts have been identified on X, formerly known as Twitter

Scammers are targeting train passengers through bogus social media accounts, an operator has said.

East Midlands Railway (EMR) said 14 fake accounts on X, formerly Twitter, had been reported since August.

The accounts used EMR's profile name, description and cover photo, "sometimes with the aim to defraud" people, the firm said.

Customers are being urged to be vigilant of the fake accounts and never share their passwords.

Philippa Cresswell, customer service director at EMR, said: "In recent months, we have seen a significant increase in the number of fake EMR accounts on social media.

"They are often quite convincing, and its easy to see how some of our customers could be fooled into thinking they are communicating with us.

"That's why we are urging our customers to double check before engaging and make sure to always check the social media handle."

The firm said customers using social media to contact EMR should check the handle and other details are spelt correctly, check how long the account has been open - EMR's X account was opened by its predecessor East Midlands Trains in October 2008 - and never share personal details if they are unsure.

Anyone who thinks they have shared personal details with a scammer should report it to Action Fraud, EMR said.