Christmas tractor charity event targeted by scammers using social media
Attendees at a festive community tractor parade were targeted by scammers pretending to solicit donations via social media, according to event organisers.
Drivers entering the Suffolk Tractor Light Parade were targeted with fake messages purporting to be from event planners. The messages encouraged them to donate directly to a bank account, which actual organizers described as “frustrating” and “disappointing”.
Volunteer organizer Liz Quickenden, 44, said the event started in 2021 when she noticed many Suffolk locals were choosing to warm their homes rather than turn on their Christmas lights. The annual parade, which sees dozens of tractors covered in festive lights, has since raised over £23,000 for charity. This year it will take place on December 14.
An East of England Ambulance Service employee said: Independent It first came to his attention when an attendee told him a “very persuasive” profile was contacting people on the event page and telling them to get in touch if they wanted to attend the event.
This person had blocked her and her husband from seeing their comments, meaning the activity was occurring without their knowledge.
“We took action very quickly to close comments and limit all posts so no one can get into an argument about it,” he said.
Ms Quickenden said she did not believe anyone had sent money to the scammers, but said it was “frustrating” that they had targeted a community event.
“There are people who are not very aware of scams and what it looks like,” he continued. “We’re in a very rural community and we have a lot of older people who enjoy this event. There’s always the concern that they’re going to be the ones targeted.”
The 44-year-old man said the only two legitimate ways people can donate to the fundraiser are with cash on the night or by donating through him. online donation pageHe added that he planned to report the incident to Action Fraud.
Ms Quickenden urged the public to be careful when paying online and be wary of scammers. “It’s really hard because we can’t stop them,” he said. “They’re everywhere and they’re getting very smart, very cunning, and they’re catching people. We definitely don’t want that.”
Latest research published by the Global Anti-Fraud Alliance (GASA) has revealed that one in five adults were the target of fraud last year. Emails, phone calls, texts, social media messages, digital ads and online marketplaces are common starting points for scam encounters, the report said.
