Residents across Wigan Borough are being targeted by a surge in fraudulent social media adverts designed to steal money and personal information, Citizens Advice Wigan has warned.
The charity is investigating multiple scams that mimic legitimate companies and offer deals that appear too good to be true. Fraudsters are exploiting people's trust in established brands and social media platforms to deceive victims.
The scams range from fake product sales and bogus investment opportunities to misleading service offers, all designed to extract money from the public. Citizens Advice Wigan Borough has not released specific examples but stressed the broad scope of the fraud.
The warning reflects a national trend of criminals increasingly exploiting digital platforms. Citizens Advice has previously highlighted the growing challenge of online scams and called for greater public awareness alongside stronger protective measures from social media companies.
Residents are urged to be extremely cautious with social media adverts, particularly those demanding quick decisions or requesting unusual payment methods. The charity recommends checking advertisers and offers through official channels rather than trusting social media posts alone.
Anyone who believes they have encountered fraudulent adverts or fallen victim to scams should contact Citizens Advice Wigan Borough for advice and support. Early reporting helps prevent other residents from being targeted.