How to spot a scam!
It’s the time of year when Christmas spirit is high and so is our spending… getting those perfect presents for the perfect person can be hard on the bank balance, so its only right that we search for a good deal; but what looks like a good deal could actually be a scam. With so many of us shopping online now how do we know who to trust?
First, lets find out how scam-savvy you are, take the quiz to see if you could be conned out of your hard-earned cash.
The following advice is taken from the government website takefive-stopfraud.org.uk:
Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment. Stop and think. It could protect you and your money.
STOP
Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
CHALLENGE
Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
PROTECT
Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.
What kinds of scams could you fall prey to?
Mail delivery scams: Mail delivery scams are on the rise especially prevalent at this time of year police are finding an increase in phone calls, texts and emails with criminals impersonating delivery companies, as well as fake cards put through doors. Often these will ask for payments or information that can be used to defraud people at a later date. For more information click here.
Scam websites: Scam websites are fraudulent websites made to look like the real thing. They will often lure people in by declaring they have sales or highly discounted products; they will often ask for all of your info when checking out which they can then use or sell to other criminals and take your money without sending you your product. For info on how to spot these fake websites visit Which?.
Phone scams: Phone scams usually involve criminals pretending to be someone you trust such as a Police officer, your bank or government office such as HM Revenue and Customs. Usually, criminals will convince an individual that they have been a victim of fraud and will ask for personal and financial information in order to gain access to their account.
Banks will never:
- Ask you to transfer money
- Demand PIN numbers or personal information
- Request remote access to your devices
How do I report spam text messages?
To report a spam text, forward the text to 7726.
You may get an automated response thanking you for the report and giving you further instructions if needed. You will not be charged for sending texts to 7726.
How do I report a suspicious email?
Forward the email to report@phishing.gov.uk. The National Cyber Security Centre ( NCSC ) will investigate it.
How do I report a suspicious phone call?
To report a fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use their online fraud reporting tool.
Written by Laura Cunningham, Social Media Editor
8th December, 2021
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