UK's street vendors warned over scam emails

Last week we broke the story that food festivals across the country had the potential to be scammed when traders were targeted for Filey Food Festival in North Yorkshire and the local Council put out a warning on Facebook.

Within 24 hours we reported news from Norfolk council regarding their Christmas fairs being the latest target.

Days later the BBC reported a warning to all traders across the country. The latest information is, experts believe mass targeting is a result of sophisticated AI, as the quality and mass of emails would not have been possible five years ago. The designs are so advanced they're believable. Traders are receiving professional-looking emails with convincing graphics claiming to be organisers of the festivals without any requests for money until a few exchanges of emails have taken place, building confidence before requesting funds.

Abergavenny Food Festival is the latest target, striking the heart of sole traders in an attempt to bypass security systems of larger companies.

The advice remains the same: Contact the organisers direct, do not hesitate to telephone them to confirm who is taking bookings. Do not be pressured by emails. If you have lost funds to this scam, please contact Report Fraud or call 0300 123 2040.