Man working in a home office with a laptop
Our Scams Awareness 2020 campaign kicks off this week and we want to make sure you can stop, report and talk about scams. To start with we’re focusing on helping you identify scams.
Scams come in many forms and are increasingly complex and sophisticated. Be #ScamAware and use your knowledge to recognise scams, stop and seek advice on what to do next, and share your experience with others. When everyone is #ScamAware, the scammers can't fool anyone!
So what are the telltale signs that something might be a scam?
It seems too good to be true – for example, a holiday that’s much cheaper than you’d expect
You never asked to be contacted - someone you don’t know contacts you unexpectedly
You suspect you’re not dealing with a real company – for example, if there’s no postal address
They want the money quickly - either payment now, or a quick transfer
You've been asked to pay in an unusual way – for example, by iTunes vouchers or through a transfer service like MoneyGram or Western Union
They asked for personal information - like passwords or PINs
Nothing is in writing - you haven't had written confirmation of what's been agreed
Read about the latest scams on the Action Fraud website.
Read about common financial scams on the Financial Conduct Authority website
For more information about spotting if something is a scam, click here
