Scam awareness campaign

News – 22 May 2023 Did you know the UK is losing £2,300 a minute to fraud?! This week (22 – 28 May), Citizens Advice, supported by Trading Standards Services, is running a scam awareness campaign, hoping to create a network of confident and alert consumers who will know what to do when they spot a scam. Something might be a scam if:

• It seems too good to be true, like you’ve won a competition you don’t remember entering, or a “get rich quick” investment opportunity.
• It’s unexpected, such as someone you don’t know getting in touch or getting a message about a parcel delivery you’re not expecting.
• You’ve been asked for personal information like passwords or your bank details.
• You’re being urged to respond or pay quickly.
• You’ve been asked to pay in an unusual way, for example by gift vouchers or a transfer service.
• You are being asked to pay for a product or service before receiving written confirmation of what’s been agreed.

Remember: If someone pressures you to send money or personal details, it’s most likely a scam. Never give money or personal details, like passwords or bank details, to anyone you don’t know or have only met online. If you think someone might be trying to scam you, take the time to get advice. You can contact the Citizens Advice consumer service for help with what to do next, and report scams or suspected scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. The Citizens Advice web page has lots of useful information: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scamsadvice/