{"id":123,"date":"2023-07-04T13:13:23","date_gmt":"2023-07-04T13:13:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vanel.org.uk\/kops\/?page_id=123"},"modified":"2023-08-18T09:45:26","modified_gmt":"2023-08-18T09:45:26","slug":"scams","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/vanel.org.uk\/kops\/stay-safe\/stay-safe-content\/scams\/","title":{"rendered":"Scams"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Scams and fraud advice taken from Stay Safe guide June 2023.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SCAMS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Scam is a fraud where someone tries to trick you out of your money or tries to get hold of your personal information that will allow them to get to your money later. Every scam is a crime. Every scam has a victim. The more you know about scams, how to avoid them and how to report them, then the better protected you will be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If we were protecting our homes and property against burglary we\u2019d think like a burglar, look at where we were vulnerable and then put protection in place (locks, bolts, CCTV etc.) in order to reduce the chances of us falling victim to theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scams are just the same. Think about the ways you could be scammed, then take simple steps to avoid them and reduce the chances of becoming a victim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Scam<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just like you\u2019d think about ways a burglar might try and break into your home, we can also think about the ways scammers might get your attention. Each \u2018way in\u2019 has plenty of common scams to watch for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your letterbox: <\/strong>letters or mail that are more than simply junk. Prizes you have been told you\u2019ve won. Offers that are too good to be true. Legal looking letters that tell you\u2019re due something, but that you need to send money first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The telephone: <\/strong>callers with offers or telling you have a problem that you need to solve now. They say your computer is broken, or the package has been delayed. Or you\u2019re due some insurance payback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mobile phone: <\/strong>callers again or text messages (such as the DPD fraud) or your (fake) child telling you to send some emergency money!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your computer\/laptop\/tablet:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

emails scams can be known as \u2018phishing\u2019 where the scammer tries to get information from you that will lead them to your money. Often the emails are great offers; time-limited; or include threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Websites: <\/strong>not all websites are what they seem. Websites can be fake too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social Media: <\/strong>whether it\u2019s on your computer or phone or tablet, social media can be busy and difficult to spot the scams from real messages. And dangerous links can be embedded in videos and messages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investment scams: <\/strong>sometimes known as \u2018boiler room scams\u2019 can approach you through any \u2018way in\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Romance scams: <\/strong>you\u2019re never too old for romance, but are they who they appear to be? Ultimately they might just be after your money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your front door: <\/strong>cold callers knocking at your door offering services or goods without an appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Identity theft: <\/strong>where criminals are getting your personal information together to commit fraud<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of these routes can be used by scammers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Scams<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are so many types of scam, there\u2019s no way to list them all. If you can get a copy of the \u201cLittle Book of Big Scams\u201d (visit met. police.uk\/littlemedia) then you can learn about many of them. Keep an eye on something like Which? online which also publishes some of the most common scams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just some common examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Postal scams: that ask for a fee to get a package delivered. These are usually fake and are after your information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The daughter\/son scam: \u201cMum,. I\u2019ve lost my phone \/ It\u2019s an emergency. Here\u2019s my new phone number \/ bank account\u201d. These<\/p>\n\n\n\n

are very common text or social media scams. Get in touch with your child a different way!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investment scams: very common if you\u2019re being sold investments that you didn\u2019t go and ask for. Very often connected to romance scams – a bogus relationship starts with the intention of asking for money in the long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is your bank… A call pretends to be your bank to warn you about a scam\/fraud that is attacking your account and they are going to help you sort it out. This in itself is often the scam. Be polite and say you\u2019ll call back. Use another phone or wait a while and call your bank direct, go through all the security checks and speak to the fraud team. If it was real then you\u2019ll have done a double check. If it wasn\u2019t real then you\u2019ve just saved yourself from fraud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social media scams with \u2018missing person\u2019 scams being very common, luring you in so you give away your personal information and open yourself up further to scams. Only follow through on things you read online if you can verify the sender or you know someone personally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is it a scam?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So how can you tell if it\u2019s a scam?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes scams are really obvious. If an organisation contacts you that you have no connection to already then it\u2019s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

very likely a scam. If there are obvious spelling mistakes or inaccuracies then it could be fake. But many scams are very good at impersonation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three really keys things to watch for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Is there some request for your personal information or, of course, money? Someone you don\u2019t know shouldn\u2019t be requesting your data or bank details!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it really is important (you\u2019ve not paid a bill so you\u2019ll be cut off) then the process to tell you about this and sort it out will not be handled with high urgency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch out for the tell tale signs of emotion and urgency and then Take 5…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take 5<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The single most important tip is to SLOW DOWN. Take 5 minutes to get away from the possible scams, have a think and take back control. Don\u2019t click, respond, react or reply straight away. Can you investigate how real the information or request is? Can you speak to someone else about it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a bank or business is contacting you, go and check directly through their website or by phoning them. If it turns out to be genuine then you\u2019ve got peace of mind from double checking. If it is a scam then you\u2019ll quickly find out and you\u2019ve kept yourself safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Does this request get you emotional? That means does it get you excited (you\u2019ve won a prize!), or does it get you scared or put you into a panic (your bank account is at risk! You\u2019re going to be disconnected! I\u2019m in trouble! Something is broken!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. And finally, is it urgent? Does the message want you to do something now, today, immediately (or else…).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Very few genuine communications happen like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

STOP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CHALLENGE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could it be fake? It\u2019s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals with try to rush, pressure or panic you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PROTECT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact your bank immediately if you think you\u2019ve fallen for a scam and then report it to Action Fraud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top tips to avoid becoming a victim<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It would be impossible for you to know about every type of scam to watch out for. So instead, follow some simple rules to try and make sure you\u2019re being careful:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Always remember. If something appears to be too good to be true – it probably is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Never respond to any emails, text messages, letters or social media that look suspicious, or that have bad spelling or grammar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Remember: A genuine bank will never contact you out of the blue asking for your PIN, full password or to move money to<\/p>\n\n\n\n

another account. If you receive a message like this, ignore it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. If someone you have never met before asks you for money, that should be a red flag. Do not give them any money!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Always question uninvited approaches, in case they are a scam. This applies whether the contact is on the doorstep, over the phone, by post or online. Instead, contact the company directly yourself using a known email or phone number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. If you are even a tiny bit suspicious, check with someone else before responding to the communication \u2013 a trusted relative, friend or neighbour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Never automatically click on alink in an unexpected text or email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Make sure you use strong passwords on all your online accounts and change them often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Always have anti-virus software and a firewall installed on your computer, and update all software as soon as new versions become available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trust your instincts. If you feel at all wary or suspicious, you\u2019re probably right!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What else can you look for?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask yourself all these questions. If you answer Yes to any of them then there is a risk you are being<\/p>\n\n\n\n

scammed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: <\/strong>Have you been contacted out of the blue? Cold calls or unexpected emails<\/p>\n\n\n\n

or messages should raise suspicion, especially if you\u2019re asked to give personal or payment details. It\u2019s very unusual for legitimate organisations to contact you and ask for sensitive information if you\u2019re not expecting them to. If you’re not 100% convinced about the identity of the caller, hang up and contact the company directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: <\/strong>Have you been asked to share personal details? Never share your personal details with anyone if you can’t confirm they are who they say they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phone scammers will often try and get valuable personal data from you, and they can use this to steal your money, or even to use your identity to use fraudulently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: <\/strong>Are the contact details vague? Scam websites often vague contact details can be a PO box, premium rate number (starting \u201809\u2019) or a mobile number. If anything goes wrong it’s important you can contact those involved. This will be difficult if you don’t have accurate contact information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Premium rate numbers are also a favoured trick for squeezing every penny they can out of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: <\/strong>Are you being asked to keep it secret? It’s important you can<\/p>\n\n\n\n

discuss any<\/p>\n\n\n\n

agreements with your friends, family or advisors. Asking you to keep quiet is a way to keep you away from the advice and support you need in making a decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: <\/strong>Is the offer too good to be true? Scams will often promise high returns for very little financial commitment. They may even say that a deal is too good to miss. Use your common sense, if a deal is too good to be true, it inevitably is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: <\/strong>Are you being pressured to make a decision? Fraudsters often try to hurry your decision making. Don\u2019t let anyone make you feel under pressure – it\u2019s OK to take a break and think things through if you\u2019re not sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sales staff should always give you time and space to make an informed decision, anyone who tries to rush you should not be trusted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: <\/strong>Are there spelling and grammar mistakes? Emails or messages littered with spelling and grammar mistakes are a scam giveaway. Legitimate organisations will rarely, if ever, make spelling or grammatical mistakes in their emails to you because they\u2019ve been put together by professionals and checked before they\u2019re sent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shred it<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t throw
paperwork or anything
that includes personal information away in the normal rubbish. If you can shred and destroy paperwork or old cards or even CD\u2019s then the information can\u2019t be accessed by scammers. Identity theft can be worrying, expensive or life altering, so let\u2019s all keep our information safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a range of community shredders around North East Lincolnshire.
see www.nelwatch.org.uk\/ shredders<\/p>\n\n\n\n

or talk to someone about getting things shredded. Scissors are better than nothing, but a cross- cut shredder is your best bet in destroying your data before someone else gets it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be ashamed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people worry that it is their fault that they are being\/have been scammed. Some people don\u2019t like to admit that they are falling for a scam. People don\u2019t like to ask for help because it makes them look bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be one of these people. The scammer\/fraudster is the one at fault \u2013 not you. We all have to try our best to take steps to protect our- selves, but scammers take their \u2018work\u2019 very seriously and can be very clever and we can all be tricked at the best of times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is far better to ask yourself questions, then speak with others, and finally to ask for help or report your concerns. We\u2019re all working together to stamp out scams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to know more or do more?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might be able to help neighbours, family or friends to avoid scams too. Why not become a Friend Against Scams? If you can get online visit www. friendsagainstscams.org.uk and take the free training. Or watch out for local training opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or subscribe to an e-newsletter from someone like Which? To find out about the very latest scams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit: https:\/\/act.which.co.uk\/ page\/103781\/data\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In our area Fraudwatch <\/strong>is a programme sharing advice about scams through talks and online. Lots of resources and videos at www.fraudwatch.org.uk<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Report it!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re in the process of being scammed and you think significant money is at risk then call the Police via 999. Otherwise use 101 to report it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call your bank immediately (on the number on the back of your card rather than on any number given to you) so that they can protect your finances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve been scammed, report it via www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forward scam texts to 7726 (spells scam on your keypad)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Report post related scams to scam.mail@royalmail.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forward scam emails (phishing) to report@phishing.gov.uk. Over 21 million reports have been made to this reporting line up to May 2023!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you need support you can contact Citizens Advice or you could talk to any agency or organisation you are connected to (such as a friendship or support group).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some final tips<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve got a computer, make sure you\u2019ve got anti-virus software on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On your mobile phone make sure you\u2019ve got a PIN number or some other security turned on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t share your passwords or<\/p>\n\n\n\n

use the same password for different websites or services. Write your passwords down so you don\u2019t forget them and so you can use more complex ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t use the same password for more than one service or system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re shopping online, use a bank account with just a small amount of money in it. You can always have more than one bank account to keep savings and spending money separate. So keep just a small amount of money in your account that is most at risk. That way if anything goes wrong you\u2019ll only risk losing a small amount of your cash!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try to never get into agreements on your doorstep, especially from someone who approached you first. Like all approaches from doorstep scammers or others, they try to convince you that you need something. Take back control so you\u2019re the one making the requests not them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember to TAKE 5 whenever you are concerned. That little bit of extrta time gets you back in control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t feel ashamed – we\u2019re all vulnerable to scams and anyone can be affected. We all need to talk about scams and help each other. Make sure you find someone you can talk to if you\u2019ve got a concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay Safe. Beat Scams Together.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Scams and fraud advice taken from Stay Safe guide June 2023. SCAMS A Scam is a fraud where someone tries to trick you out of your money or tries to get hold of your personal information that will allow them to get to your money later. Every scam is a crime. Every scam has a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":107,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-123","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vanel.org.uk\/kops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/123","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vanel.org.uk\/kops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vanel.org.uk\/kops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vanel.org.uk\/kops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vanel.org.uk\/kops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=123"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/vanel.org.uk\/kops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/123\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":189,"href":"https:\/\/vanel.org.uk\/kops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/123\/revisions\/189"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vanel.org.uk\/kops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/107"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vanel.org.uk\/kops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=123"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}