A Bedfordshire bus operator has warned passengers to be vigilant after becoming aware of an online scam that appears to offer discounted travel.
Fraudulent promotions have appeared on social media featuring images of Stagecoach buses, along with other operators across the UK, claiming that passengers can purchase a smartcard for just £2 that is valid for six months of travel.
In response, Stagecoach, parent company of local operator Stagecoach East, has issued a statement on social media confirming that they are not affiliated with the post and that the ‘smart card’ promotion is a scam.
Calling the scammers “unscrupulous”, MD of Stagecoach East, Darren Roe, said: “I hope that all our loyal customers will recognise that this is not a genuine offer.
“One of our key values is that we ‘support our communities, ’ and on this occasion, that means trying to make sure that local people do not fall into this trap.”
Debra Goodwin, Chief Customer Officer at Stagecoach, advised customers not to interact with the post or to share any personal information with the scammers.
“If you come across the posts online, please report it to the relevant platform,” she said.
“We take the safety and security of our passengers seriously. If you have been impacted by this scam post, we advise you speak to Action Fraud.” To see the full range of official tickets and pricing available from Stagecoach, please visit: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/tickets.””
