Tips to avoid being scammed.
Do not trust advice or recommendations for services on social media, even if you have asked for those recommendations yourself, as happened in a recent case locally. The person (name withheld) asked for help at their property and was contacted by a company who proceeded to massively overcharge and intimidate them.
Stop and think before responding to unexpected calls, emails, texts, or messages. Never share passwords, PINs, bank details, or security codes. Be suspicious of urgent demands for money or requests to move funds. Don’t click unknown links or download unexpected attachments. Verify who you are dealing with using trusted contact details, not those provided in the message.
Be particularly cautious of investment opportunities offering guaranteed or unusually high returns. If in doubt, stop, check, and seek advice before paying.
If you’re the victim of a scam.
Contact your bank immediately and ask if the payment can be stopped or recovered.
Report the fraud to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online.
For consumer scams, contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.
Keep all evidence, including messages, receipts, and screenshots.
Call 999 if you are in immediate danger, or 101 for a non-emergency police matter.
And finally, please don’t be embarrassed; this can happen to anyone. Reporting a scam can help protect others.
Take care,
John Hunt
