Multi Agency Approach to Fraud (MAAF) Group
How to spot a threat and protect yourself
What are scams?
Scams are fraudulent activities designed to cheat you out of your money or obtain your personal details for illegal purposes.
They come in many forms, from bogus lottery wins to miracle cures and chain letters. Scammers can target you online, by phone, by post, or in person. It’s essential to be alert to this type of crime to protect yourself and those close to you.
Report a Scam:
- Contact Report Fraud (www.reportfraud.police.uk)
- call 0300 123 2040.
How to spot scams
Scammers may try to trick you in various ways, but here are some common warning signs:
- Request for Information: Asking for personal or banking details.
- Upfront Payment Demand: Requesting money in advance or a fee without an agreed contract.
- Fantastic Offer: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Unexpected Contact: Out-of-the-blue contact without prior request.
- Poor Communication: Oddly-written emails or letters with incorrect formatting or misplaced words.
- Sense of Urgency: Pressuring you to respond quickly or act immediately.
Call 159
159 is a UK-wide hotline for contacting your bank securely if you suspect a scam. If you receive a suspicious call about your bank accounts and money, you should hang up and dial 159 to be connected directly to your bank’s fraud department.
When to use 159
- Someone calls you claiming to be from your bank, even if they don’t seem suspicious.
- You are contacted by someone claiming to be an authority figure (like the police) and told to transfer money.
- You receive a call about a financial matter that seems suspicious or could be a scam.
What to do next
- End any suspicious calls immediately.
- Call 159 to speak directly with your bank’s fraud team.
- Ask your bank to cancel any payments that haven’t been made.
- Consider changing passwords that might have been compromised.
Protect yourself from online scams
Here are some general tips to stay safe online:
Do:
- Delete suspicious emails.
- Install and update genuine antivirus software.
- Use an email account with a spam filter.
- Contact your bank using the number on the back of your card if you receive a suspicious email.
- Check for the padlock icon in the search bar before entering your card details.
- Use strong, unique passwords for each website or app.
- Enable a pop-up blocker in your browser settings.
Don't:
- Open suspicious emails or their attachments.
- Reply to suspicious emails or unexpected messages.
- Give out personal information, bank details, or passwords.
- Respond to requests for money.
- Purchase items from unsecure websites.
- Download unknown apps from unfamiliar sources.
- Shop directly from social media feeds without verifying the vendor’s authenticity.
Protect yourself from telephone scams
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to telephone scams:
Do:
- Hang up if you are not expecting the call.
- Register with the Telephone Preference Service to stop unwanted sales calls.
- Delete text messages from unrecognised numbers.
- Block unwanted calls through your phone settings or with a call blocker.
- Use an answerphone to screen calls.
- Call back via an established number if unsure about the caller’s authenticity.
Don't:
- Give out bank details, PIN, personal information, or passwords over the phone.
- Enter into a contract over the phone.
- Call premium rate numbers to claim prizes.
- Return calls from unknown or unexpected numbers.
Protect yourself from doorstep scams
Here are some tips to avoid doorstep scams:
Do:
- Get at least 3 detailed quotes.
- Ask family and friends for recommendations.
- Check reviews and references.
- Withhold money until the work is completed to your satisfaction.
- Have a proper written contract, with cancellation information and the final price included.
- Ask for the full name and address of the trader.
Don't:
- Agree to have work done in your home over the telephone or in your home by a cold caller.
- Get rushed into making a decision. Ask them to leave if you are not happy.
- Rely on posts on social media.
- Pay cash or transfer money until the work has been started. Don’t pay for the trader’s materials.
- Sign paperwork without reading all of it. Ask a friend, relative or neighbour if you are not sure.
- Never rely just on a mobile number or social media chat.
General scam prevention advice
Scammers are very clever at making their scams seem genuine. Here are some steps to protect yourself:
- Be Suspicious: Be alert to the warning signs.
- Delay Decisions: Don’t agree to offers or deals immediately. Take time to seek independent advice.
- Know Your Rights: If you agree to buy goods or services for £42 or more, you may have cancellation rights.
- Hold Payments: Never send money to someone you don’t know or trust.
- Buy Securely: Only make payments on websites with a padlock symbol and “https” in the address.
- Double Check: If unsure, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline for advice.
- Safeguard Your Details: Never give banking or personal information to unknown parties.
- Delete and Block: Delete suspicious emails and contact your telephone supplier for call blocking options.
Other useful prevention websites
- Get Safe Online – Provides factual and easy-to-understand information on online safety. The website is a unique resource providing practical advice on how to protect yourself, your computers and mobiles device and your business against fraud, identity theft, viruses and many other problems encountered online.
- Take Five To Stop Fraud – A national campaign that empowers individuals and businesses across the UK to protect themselves against financial fraud.
What to do if you've been scammed
If you have made a payment in response to a scam, contact your bank as soon as possible.
They may be able to recover some of your money. If you or someone else is in immediate danger because of a scam, call the Police on 999.
Report a Scam
Contact Report Fraud
(www.reportfraud.police.uk) or call 0300 123 2040.
For Advice
Contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service
(www.citizensadvice.org.uk) or call 0808 223 1133.