Scams awareness month 2014
May 2014 is scams awareness month. What are scams? Scams are schemes to con people out of their money. Scams reach us all in a variety of ways: post, phone, email, online, even a knock at the door. Every year more than 3 million people in the UK fall victim to scams, losing hundreds and sometimes thousands of pounds.
To avoid becoming a scam victim remember:
• If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
• It you haven’t bought a ticket – you can’t win it.
• You shouldn’t have to pay anything to get a prize.
• If in doubt, don’t reply. Bin it, delete it or hang up.
• Persuasive sales patter? Just say: “No thank you”.
• Contacted out of the blue – be suspicious.
• Never give out your bank details unless you are certain you can trust the person contacting you.
• Take your time – resist pressure to make a decision straight away.
• Never send money to someone you don’t know.
• Walk away from job ads that ask for money in advance.
• Your bank will never attend your home.
• Your bank and the police will never collect your bank card.
• Your bank and the police will never ask for your PIN.
• Computer firms do not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer.
• Don’t suffer in silence – tell others about scams.
Stop scams!
CHECK unexpected calls, letters, and online contacts with someone you trust.
GET ADVICE - the Citizens Advice consumer service 08454 04 05 06 can provide advice and pass details on to Trading Standards.
REPORT scams or suspected scams to Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 www.actionfraud.police.uk.
To report an incident or concern direct to West Sussex Trading Standards Service go to www.westsussex.gov.uk/tsreport
A comprehensive scam guide containing lots of practical advice is available at http://www.met.police.uk/docs/little_book_scam.pdf
Best regards
John
| John Wright MBE | |
| Chairman | |
| Sussex Federation Neighbourhood Watch | |
| ( Mobile: 07917 385213 | |
| ( Business: 01444 247368 | |
| Email: john.w.wright@btinternet.com | |
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