How to protect yourself from scams

Scams are the fastest growing area of crime

Criminals can comfortably make a lot of money, so they are always coming up with new ways to con people out of their money. It could be via a phone call, through the post, a text message, email or even in person.

A telephone call is the most common way you will be contacted for a scam. Bona fide companies do not make unsolicited calls – if you have any doubts hang up – you can then check the number in your phone book & call your bank, or call the police, or call a computer support agency. Scams can also arrive by post – often a letter saying that you have won a prize.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”

What do I look for?
  • You are contacted by someone who you do not know or by a company you have not heard of.
  • You are asked for money, or you are offered money.
  • You have to make a quick decision and have no time to talk to your friends and family about it.
  • You are told to keep it a secret.

How to spot a scam

  • You receive a text message, email or call from someone who tells you that you have won a competition
  • You are asked to provide your bank details so that your winnings can be put into your bank account
  • Before you give any personal information, you need to make sure that you did participate in that competition or it may be a scam
  • You receive an email from someone you do not know, who asks you to give them money
  • This normally involves a story, such as ‘I have won the lottery but I need money to claim the prize’ or ‘I am stuck abroad and need a flight home’
  • If you receive one of these emails, ask someone you trust to read it

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