"Participants in a festive community tractor parade have been targeted by scammers pretending to seek donations over social media, according to event organisers. Drivers entering the Suffolk Tractor Light Parade were targeted by false messages purporting to be from event planners. The messages encouraged them to make a donation directly to a bank account in what the true organisers have called a frustrating and disappointing."
"Volunteer organiser Liz Quickenden, 44, said the event began in 2021 when she noticed many Suffolk locals were opting to heat their homes rather than turn their Christmas lights on. The annual parade, which sees dozens of tractors covered in festive lights, has since raised over 23,000 for charity. This year, it is due to take place on 14 December."
"The East of England Ambulance Service worker told The Independent her attention was first alerted when a participant told her a very convincing profile had been contacting people on the event page, telling them to get in touch if they wanted to get involved with the event. She the person had blocked her and her husband from being able to view their comments, meaning the activity was taking place without their knowledge."
Participants in the Suffolk Tractor Light Parade were targeted by scammers posing as event planners on social media and encouraged to donate directly to a bank account. A convincing fake profile contacted people on the event page and blocked organisers from viewing some comments. Volunteers moved quickly to close down comments and limit posts. The parade began in 2021 after locals chose to heat homes rather than switch on Christmas lights. The event features dozens of lit tractors, has raised over 23,000 for charity, and is due to take place on 14 December. Organisers worry elderly rural residents may be vulnerable.
Read at www.independent.co.uk
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]