Consumer Advice and Scams

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Consumer advice and scams 

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Spotting a scam

Stay alert to scams

Unfortunately scammers are clever and can make their attempts look genuine. Don't be fooled, it's not just older people who can get caught out by scams, research conducted in December 2020 showed that people aged 16-34 were the most susceptible to scams. 

Shocked?

Luckily, this bulletin is a one stop shop for all things scams, and whether it's tips on how to spot and prevent scams or advice on how to report a scam, we've got you covered.


How do I know if something is a scam?

Preventing a scam

One of the most important things to remember is that if something seems to good to be true, then it probably is.

Other warning signs are:

  • Someone you don't know contacting you out of the blue
  • You're asked to give away personal information like passwords or your PIN
  • You've been asked to transfer money quickly, often to solve a problem you didn't know you had 
  • Someone refuses to confirm the company or organisation they are contacting you from
  • Email addresses or links within an email don't look right

Use the online scams tool to check if something could be a scam

Anyone can fall victim to a scam

Preventing a scam

Scams come in many different forms, but the most common are phone scams, scam mail, phishing emails and doorstep callers.

If something doesn't feel right, then never be afraid to hang up, bin it, delete it or close the door. 

  • Never give money, personal details or financial information to anyone you don't know
  • Before buying online, check the website you're using by reading reviews
  • Make sure your antivirus software is up-to-date
  • Take your time to work out if an organisation is real, and always ask for ID. A genuine person won't mind showing you
  • Don't be rushed into making decisions. It's ok to take your time

Find out more about protecting yourself from scams

I think I've been scammed. What should I do?

Reporting a scam

So you've been scammed, and you're probably feeling pretty worried about it. Firstly, remember that this could happen to anyone and that falling victim to a scam doesn't mean you're stupid. So, what can you do?

Make contact with your bank, building society or card provider as soon as possible 

  • Discuss the situation with them so that they can ensure the appropriate measures are put in place

Contact Citizens Advice

  • Call the consumer service on 0808 223 1133 or report the scam online.
  • Get advice from a Scams Action adviser by calling 0808 250 5050.

Report it to Action Fraud:

Find out more about reporting different kinds of scams

Don't give scammers a one way ticket to success

Action Fraud Ticket scam

You've probably thought a fair bit about your post-lockdown plans, but so have scammers. 

Action Fraud is urging people to be aware of scams involving tickets to events, many of which take advantage of the fact that popular events have long since sold out. 

Victims have lost over £200,000 to ticket scams in March alone this year, so if you're planning to buy a ticket to an event, please take extra care and only purchase from the venues box office or reputable ticket site. 

Find out more about ticket scams


Let's take the next step safely
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