Scams come in many forms, and they can and do affect anyone. While it’s impossible to know about all of them, it’s important to always keep an eye out for potential scams.

Here are some signs that something might be a scam:

• Something seems too good to be true, like you've won a competition you don't remember entering.
• Someone you don’t know contacts you unexpectedly, perhaps sending you a message about a parcel delivery you're not expecting.
• You’re urged to respond or pay quickly.
• You've been asked to pay in an unusual way, such as by gift vouchers or a transfer service.
• You’re asked to give away personal information.

If you think someone might be trying to scam you, take the time to get advice. Contact  Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 to report scams and for help with what to do next. You can also report scams or suspected scams to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040.

If you haven’t heard of phishing before, it’s a type of scam where criminals use fake messages to lure you into clicking on the links within their scam email or text message, or to give away sensitive information (such as bank details). These messages may look like the real thing but are actually malicious. Once clicked, you may be sent to a dodgy website, which could download viruses onto your computer, or steal your passwords.

Scammers might contact you pretending to be someone you know or trust. They use tactics to rush or panic you into making a payment or giving personal and financial information.

If you get an unexpected email or text message, ask yourself if it could it be fake? Criminals set up false accounts and websites to appear to be someone they are not. It's OK to reject, refuse or ignore any messages.

Contact your bank immediately if you think you've fallen for a scam. Also report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk.

Nearly a fifth of adults were targeted in a doorstep scam over the last year, according to a recent study from Ring. Criminals posed as energy suppliers, security staff and representatives of well-known brands in a bid to con victims. The latest statistics show that a whopping £5.3 billion was lost to doorstep scams over the last 12 months in the UK.

Follow these tips to protect yourself against doorstep scams:

• Be cautious – never let anyone you don’t know and trust into your home.
• Always check ID – you can call the company if you’re unsure. Don’t call the number on the caller’s ID as it may belong to another scammer. You should look in the phone book or on the company’s website.
• Join a neighbourhood group. This could be as simple as a WhatsApp group, or going to community events, but getting to know your neighbours is a great way to be up to date on the issues impacting the community around you.
• Put up a ‘no uninvited callers’ sign. If you have one up, people who represent a genuine company will not knock on your door.
• Call the police on 101 if you’re suspicious or feel threatened.

Remember, you can report unwanted cold callers to Citizens Advice. 

If you need work doing on your house or garden and are looking to hire a tradesperson, make sure you do your research first.  And be alert to traders offering ‘today only’ offers. This is pressure selling! Reputable tradespeople often have a waiting list for work and can never normally attend on the day.

Consider these tips when looking for a tradesperson:

• Speak to friends and/or family for recommendations or use companies and tradespeople that are part of our ‘Buy With Confidence’ Approved Trader Scheme.
• Get quotes from multiple tradespeople to compare prices.
• Ask for a quote in writing and take your time when making a decision.
• If possible, agree to pay in stages and get a contract for the work.

If you’re being asked to pay upfront, or in cash, it might be a scam.

Following a surge in house fires, e-bike owners are being reminded about the risks posed by non-compliant lithium-ion e-bike batteries.

If you own an e-bike, or are thinking about buying one, remember to follow this advice from our friends at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute:

• Only purchase e-bikes, chargers and batteries from reputable retailers.
• Never buy counterfeit batteries or chargers and ensure that any device you use has the UKCA or CE mark on it.
• Check that any batteries and chargers are compatible with one another.
• Register your product with the manufacturer to validate any warranties on parts including batteries.
• Registering makes it easier for manufacturers to contact you in the event of safety or recall information.
• Check Electrical Safety First and the Office for Product Safety and Standards to make sure any products you have bought are not subject to a product recall.

Consumers are being urged to be alert to a new scam targeting those struggling with the cost of living. Britain’s banks have issued a warning about ‘advance fee’ fraud in which scammers pose as a legitimate firm and demand money up front for a loan. This could be for a loan, to secure a rental property, or even a new job.  According to Lloyds, victims have lost an average of £200 each to ‘loan fee’ scams.

Follow these tips to stay safe from loan fee scams:

• Make sure you’re dealing with a real company by checking it is listed on the FCA’s website - only contact firms using the details listed there.
• Avoid any company that says it can guarantee you a loan regardless of your credit status. A reputable lender will always conduct a thorough credit check.
• You shouldn’t be asked to pay an upfront fee for a loan from a genuine company. If you are, it’s likely a scam.