Scams

Scams are schemes to con you out of your money. They usually come by post, phone or email.

Fake lotteries and prize draws, bogus psychic predictions, get-rich-quick investments and 'miracle' health cures are just some of the many tricks that scammers try.

Every year millions of people fall victim to scams, sometimes losing a great deal more than money. Its not just money and possessions that are at risk, being taken in by a scam can be very distressing, and can seriously knock people’s confidence. The scammers are clever, and all kinds of people from all walks of life get duped. If you let down your guard, you too could become a victim.

Latest Scam - The Office for National Statistics are warning people of an email scam.

Warning signs

It sounds too good to be true: Beware of hype and extravagant promises. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• You are contacted out of the blue: You may get a phone call, email or letter from someone you've never heard of.
• You have to make a quick decision: Scammers don't like to give you time to think. They will try to pressure you into making a decision by saying things like 'If you don't act now, you'll miss out.'
• You have to give away bank account details: Trustworthy firms will never contact you to ask for this information.

If you see any of these signs in a letter, phone call, text message or email, it could well be a scam.

First of all, don't reply. Then bin it, delete it or hang up. And if you're still unsure, you can call Consumer Direct for advice on 08454 04 05 06 or report the scam to them

Last Updated on Friday, 03 February 2012 10:43

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