Cadbury, Argos, Southern Water And DVLA Scams Among Latest Issued For Isle Of Wight

As the year draws to a close, the Isle of Wight Trader Approval Scheme is warning residents to stay vigilant against a range of scams targeting people over the festive period.

Among the latest alerts, scammers have been sending WhatsApp messages offering Cadbury chocolate hampers.

The messages ask recipients to complete a short quiz to claim a prize, but this is a scam designed to steal personal information.

Trading Standards advises not to click the link and warn others who may have received it.

Other scams to be aware of include:

• Fake celebrity-backed adverts online, or products claimed to be sold in major stores like Boots, sometimes even claiming endorsement by Which. Do not click these adverts — research products independently before making purchases.

  
  

• Emails pretending to be from the DVLA, claiming your vehicle tax needs renewing. These are fraudulent — do not click on any links.

  
  

• Texts claiming to be from Argos, stating a high-value payment has been made and asking you to call a number. Do not call the number; it is a scam designed to steal money.

  
  

• Phone calls from scammers posing as Council Tax, Southern Water, BT, or HMRC, claiming you owe money or need to resolve an issue. Hang up immediately and block the number. Genuine organisations will not call out of the blue — if concerned, contact them using official numbers.

Trading Standards urges anyone who receives suspicious messages, calls, or emails to remain cautious, not to respond, and to report scams where possible.