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Watch out for rogue doorstep traders
In 2021, a massive £25.8 million was reported to be lost to doorstep crime. Many rogue traders have adapted and now operate online as well as at the door. Friends Against Scams has put together some helpful guidance about doorstep crime to help you spot the signs of rogue traders.
If you are looking to hire a tradesperson always do your research first. Use companies and tradespeople that are part of our ‘Buy With Confidence’ Approved Trader Scheme.
Our friends at Trading Standards South West have also put together some tips on how to find a reputable builder if you are considering hiring one to carry out home renovations or repairs, as this in another area that rogue traders often target.
Mental Health Awareness Week
This year's theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is loneliness. Anyone can struggle with loneliness and it can sometimes be the reason that people respond to scams - maybe that phone call or letter through the door is the only human contact the person has had this week. Sadly, when someone is lonely they might mistakenly believe that if they send some money, the interactions will continue.
The Mental Health Foundation has done some great research into ways to deal with loneliness.
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Make sure you are battery savvy
Did you know swallowing button batteries can cause serious internal damage? Even 'dead' button batteries can still have enough power to badly hurt a small child. When you remove button batteries, store them securely and recycle them properly and quickly.
Find your nearest recycling centre
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Stay alert to Covid-19 scams
With the recent changes to testing rules fraudsters are impersonating the NHS by sending out text messages telling people to order a Covid-19 test. The message includes a link to a fake website, and asks for a delivery fee. The scam is used to steal personal details, like banking information, to be able to take money from your account.
If you are not sure about a link don’t click on it and report it to the National Cyber Security Centre.
The NHS does sometimes include links in its vaccine text messages, but it won’t ever ask you to buy a test or hand over any financial details.
You can report any suspicious text messages or emails to report@phishing.gov.uk or by texting 7726.
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Don't give scammers a one-way ticket to success
According to Action Fraud, ticket fraudsters have duped victims out of a whopping almost £4 million in the last year as music and entertainment lovers bought tickets for festivals and events online as coronavirus restrictions eased.
If you’ve got your eye on an event, beware of anyone offering you tickets on social media at too good to be true prices, as they may not exist or not be genuine.
Only buy tickets from the venue’s box office, official promoters or agents, or a well-known and reputable ticket site. See if the seller is a member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR). If they are, the company has signed up to their strict governing standards. STAR also offers an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution service to help customers with outstanding complaints.
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How to report scam websites
Scam websites are just one of a number of ways that scammers try to take advantage of consumers.
These kinds of websites are often called 'phishing' and may download viruses onto your computer or try to steal your passwords and personal information.
So, if you've come across a scam website, would you know how to report or who to report it to? The National Cyber Security Centre has a service where residents can report scam websites, and by doing so, you will be helping to protect others.
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