Scams advice

Unfortunately, there are plenty of situations in which individuals acting in good faith can find that they have come off worse from a transaction.

We use the word ‘scam’ to indicate a dishonest or fraudulent scheme designed to cheat the purchaser. This can apply to buying products or services, making investments or becoming involved in apparently failsafe business propositions.

You can avoid a lot of scams and bad purchases if you know what to look for.

Is it legal?

A scam can mean anything from criminal fraud to sharp, but legal, selling practices. The question ‘is it legal?’ is perhaps less relevant than ‘can I get my money back?’. Whether the scheme was legal or illegal, the answer is likely to be no. Even well-known companies may direct you to the small print if you later query your position. Other, less reputable sellers may simply disappear. Depending on the circumstances, police or Trading Standards are more likely to try to prevent future scams than recover money that has been lost.

Scams checklist

If an exciting offer seems too good to be true, think about the following warning signs and ask yourself if it is a scam:

• Was the offer unsolicited?
• Do you have to respond quickly? What’s the rush?
• Do you have to pay for a prize or ‘free’ gift?
• Do you have to ring a premium rate number (one starting with ‘09’)?
• Are you being asked for your bank or credit card details?
• Is the business reluctant to give you its address or contact details?
• Are you being asked to keep the offer confidential?

Always stop, think and be sceptical before signing anything or handing over any money.

If the worst happens and you are a victim of a scam, or if you want advice on how to protect yourself, contact Action Fraud Tel: 0300 123 2040 (national rate) for help (See 'Useful website').

Quick Check

Quick Check is a 24-hour telephone service which allows householders to make a Freephone call to verify the individual identity of anyone calling at their door.  

Bogus callers use various stories and other ploys to gain access to a person’s home in order to steal.  They have been known, for example to pose as official callers from local authorities, utility services or companies on the pretext of wanting to inspect gas, electricity or water supplies.  Members of the public should follow this advice when dealing with unexpected visitors:

• Think before you open the door - use your chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise them.
• Ask callers for proof of identity.  Genuine tradesmen should carry a photographic identification card.  Check this carefully.  If you are unsure, telephone Quick Check on 0800 013 22 90.
• If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don’t let them in.  Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return.
• If they do phone and request your details, don’t disclose them. Instead ask the caller for their details and tell them you will phone them back.  When you hang up, report the matter to the police.

For more crime prevention advice on this or any other subject contact your local Crime Prevention Officer on 0845 600 8000.