Bus company warns public over social media scam

"Scams are becoming a big issue for everyone," said company managing director Ed Wills

A warning has been issued over an online bus travel scam in Sussex and Kent.

Brighton and Hove Buses (BHB) said it had been made aware of a social media scheme that offers free bus travel for six months with a key smartcard.

"This is not a genuine offer," the company said in a statement. "We urge you not to click on any links or provide personal data."

BHB, which operates across Sussex and Kent, urged passengers to report any suspicious posts.

Multiple social media accounts and sponsored posts have promoted the scam. Some posts may contain images that look like products from the company.

"Scams are becoming a big issue for everyone," said company managing director Ed Wills.

He said BHB had shared posts on Facebook and X advising people to be vigilant about the current scam.

Offers are only shared through BHB's official social media channels and websites, the company added.

Sussex Police is urging the public to heed its "golden rules" to prevent fraud.

These include being suspicious of all "too good to be true" offers and not agreeing to them immediately.

Criminals stole £1.17 billion through unauthorised and authorised fraud in 2023, according to UK Finance.