LOTHIAN Buses has issued a warning to customers after yet another scam page pretending to be linked to the company appeared on social media.
The operator shared a screenshot of the account, which calls itself “Public transport Edinburgh” and links to a third-party website.
It claims to offer a competition to win a heavily discounted Ridacard, the unlimited travel pass for the city’s buses and trams.
It is the latest in a slew of hoax accounts doing the rounds online this year, claiming to offer free or discounted passes.
Lothian has urged customers not to engage with posts and issued a reminder that Ridacards are only available to purchase at its dedicated TravelHubs, not online.
Although the offers seem too good to be true, the pages post legitimate images of Ridacards, buses and trams.
The bus operator has been quick to expose the scams via its own social media channels.
The latest attempt claims to be an “exclusive offer for Edinburgh residents”.
Claiming to celebrate the company’s anniversary, it offers the chance to grab a limited-edition Ridacard for just £2.
Currently, a standard adult Ridacard costs £650 annually and £62 monthly.
The bus operator shared the page yesterday with the caption: “We are aware of another Facebook scam which has been reported to the relevant authorities.
“Please do not engage with this page, or any others that purport you can win a heavily discounted Ridacard by visiting a third party.
“Our products are only available to purchase in-store directly from one of our TravelHubs – we do not offer them online and would never direct you to a third-party website.
“Please share this post, and if you’ve been taken in by this scam, please contact your banking provider immediately.
“Thank you.”
It has since received a host of likes and comments from unimpressed locals sharing their thoughts.
One wrote: “I saw one on my feed the other day, reported it, and found three more, almost identical, with a subsequent quick Facebook search.
“Old rule applies: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
A second commented: “‘Celebrate Lothian Buses’ anniversary?’ That was five years ago.”
Another said: “I reported a scam page a few months ago, Facebook said they wouldn’t take any action about it.”
Speaking today, a Lothian spokesperson said: “Lothian will never ask for personal information or bank details to pay for ticket products through our social media channels
“We would urge anyone who has been directly impacted to report the matter to their bank immediately.
“It’s really concerning that attempts like this are being made to defraud our customers and we would urge the public to be vigilant.
“If in any doubt about an offer, please contact Lothian directly.”
