Warning issued over social media bus pass scam

A social media page claimed the scheme would “enhance city mobility and promote public transport”

People in Suffolk have been warned about a social media profile that is attempting to scam bus passengers.

Suffolk Trading Standards urged those who used Ipswich Buses to think twice before buying a so-called Smartcard, which claimed to hold six months of travel for just £2.

The promotion on Facebook - called "Ipswich public transport smart card" and featuring images of the local buses - is fraudulent.

People have been told to "not click on any links or provide personal data" as "this is not a genuine offer".

A trading standards spokesperson added: "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."

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The social media page claimed the scheme would "enhance city mobility and promote public transport" and the offer was only valid until the end of the month.

The promotion claimed it was endorsed by the town's mayor.

Suffolk Trading Standards said the scam was affecting other parts of the UK, adding: "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, Ipswich Buses' managing director, said: "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.”