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Scams

Online purchase scams

If you can buy it, there’s probably a scam for it. Criminals set up fake websites and send emails and texts advertising goods that aren’t what they seem or simply don’t exist.

Check if a website is genuine. Go to www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite and type in the whole website address you’ve been given. It will tell you whether the site is legitimate or a scam.

Charity fraud

Fraudsters, posing as local, national or international charities, contact people or approach people on the street or at the front door. Not only do you lose your money, they also have your bank details, which they can pass onto other criminal gangs. .

If you want to donate to a charity, contact the charity directly, rather than responding to requests out of the blue. Never be pressured on the doorstep or in the street to donate to charities. 

Most charities have their online donation websites, which you should be able to find by “googling” their name!

Our charity donation page is available here - https://www.justgiving.com/ageuk-bury - and we are really grateful of all donations at this challenging time.

Bank impersonation

Criminals pose as your bank, reporting “suspicious activity” to lure you into moving money to a safe account.

Put the phone down if you receive a call saying it’s your bank querying transactions on your account. Wait for the line to clear and call 159 to speak directly to your bank’s fraud department.

159 is a number you can trust to get you through to your bank safely and securely, every time. So if you think someone is trying to trick you into handing over money or personal details - stop, hang up and call 159 to speak directly to your bank. Find out more at https://stopscamsuk.org.uk/159

Traders

Always say no to anyone knocking on your door, telling you that your house is about to collapse! If you need a job doing, go to these websites to find a reputable trader

Alternatively, you may wish to call our Handyperson service as they have links with local traders who are reliable. Call Sue on on 0161 796 6949 or email hp@ageukbury.org.uk

We encourage everyone to report fraud.

  • Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk,

  • Send suspicious texts to 7726.

  • If you have lost money or given out account details, report it to Action Fraud and your bank.

  • For doorstep crime, call the police on 101.