A scam is a scheme to try to steal money, personal information or data from a person or organisation. Other names for a scam include fraud, hoax, con, swindle and cheat. Scams can affect anyone.

Citizens Advice are encouraging people to play their part in preventing scams by reporting and talking about them. Only about 13% of all scams are currently reported. That’s a huge number of scams that aren’t known about, and therefore cannot be prevented.

Top tips to avoid scams

• Your bank or the police will never phone you to ask for your PIN or your online password. They will never come to your home to collect your cash, payment card or cheque book.
• Never give your bank account details to someone you don’t know.
• Genuine computer firms do not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer.
• Doorstep traders cold calling – don’t buy it.
• Beware of copycat government official services scam – callers or websites claim to be official government departments and sell services e.g. driving licence, European health card or passport for a ‘fee’. Always use the GOV.uk website.
• Never pay out money to receive a prize. If you haven’t entered a competition or bought a lottery ticket you can’t win.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

What should you do if you suspect a scam

GET ADVICE from the Citizens Advice Consumer Service 03454 04 05 06. If it is a scam this will automatically be reported to Trading Standards.

REPORT Scams or suspected scams to Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 or www.actionfraud.police.uk. If debit cards, online banking or cheques are involved, contact the bank or credit card company.

TELL a friend, neighbour or relative about any scams you become aware of.

Scam Awareness Picture