Tips to avoid scams

Consumers lose £5 billion+ to scams each year. Don't add to this staggering figure. 

News

Latest edition: Little book of BIG scams

Latest edition: Little book of Cyber Scams  

April 2021: Scammers use Chartered Trading Standards logos to scam residents 

1. Say NO - to unwanted, uninvited callers
2. Be wise to rogue traders- too good to be true offers, probably are
3. Don't feel pressured to make a decision- say "No" or say you need advice first
4. Be wise to postal scams- no legal company will ask you for money to claim your prize
5. Keep personal details safe- they could be used fraudulently in the wrong hands
6. Research the credentials of the company- be certain they're not bogus
7. Be online savvy- check who you're communicating with online
8. Talk to someone you trust- if you're suspicious
9. Report a scam- help expose the criminals
10. Know you are not alone- anyone can be a victim, report it and get the right support

Protect yourself from doorstep crime. If you're not sure don't open the door.

Tips to avoid door step scams:

1. Use a door chain to check who is calling
2. Don't trade on the door step
3. Ask a trusted friend or family member for advice on reputable traders
4. Display a "No cold calling" sticker outside your door
5. Always report any suspicious activity

The Internet gives easy access to criminals to scam consumers out of money. Be online savvy and protect yourself.

Tips to avoid internet scams:

1. Be wary of emails from unknown sources asking you for your personal details
2. Set up a junk mail filter to stop unwanted emails entering your account
3. Always go to a bank's official website to get information, don't follow links within emails
4. Make sure your payments online are secure, look for the padlock symbol in the address bar
5. Say no to strangers offering to put money in your account, this could be illegal

Everyday thousands of people become a victim of mail scams. Don't believe the false promises and protect yourself.

Tips to avoid mail scams:

1. Never send money to a company in order to claim a prize or winnings
2. Watch out for letters with too good to be true offers, it's probably a scam
3. Don't disclose personal information to people or companies you do not know
4. If you get a lot of mail get a trusted friend or family member to help you sort through it
5. If you think the letter is a scam report it and shred it

Scammers often use the telephone as a method to gain personal details and con people out of their life savings. Avoid being one of them, protect yourself.

Tips to avoid telephone scams:

1. Never give out your personal or bank details over the telephone
2. Don't feel pressured to making a decision over the telephone
3. If the caller is vague about giving out their company information, hang up
4. Don't open texts or answer calls from unrecognisable numbers
5. Consider a call blocking device to filter out unwanted calls

Remember if you're not sure, get advice and always report a scam.

To report a scam, call Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.