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Useful Scams Information

Dealing with scam calls
If you've ever bought anything from a catalogue, online, in store or booked a holiday or bought/hired a car, then there is a footprint of data somewhere with your name on it. There are legal companies that harvest this information and others that buy it for legal marketing use - others for not so legal uses. Unfortunately, it is every easy for your personal details to get into the wrong hands.

Can you trace a number?
The phones and numbers scammers use in an ongoing scam change constantly. They often  use untraceable numbers from disposable mobile phones. Anything traceable such as a pop up office will generally find the user long gone. You can report your call to Action Fraud online www.actionfraud.com tel 0300 123 2010 - they collate and work to prevent scams.

How can I reduce the chance of being scammed?
We recommend the following steps to reduce the likelihood of you or a family member falling victim to a financial scam.

  • Register with True Call, which blocks 98% of nuisance calls. www.truecall.co.uk, 08000 336 330.

  • Set up a password with utility companies, always use a door chain, genuine callers are always happy to rearrange.

  • Call 999 if you feel pressured/threatened at any time. If you think you may have been the victim of a scam, call 101.

  • Always choose reliable trade person via websites such as www.checkatrade.com

  • To opt out from deliveries from other unaddressed mail distributors you may wish to register with the 'Your Choice' preference scheme run by the Direct Marketing Association. They can be contacted at: 'Your Choice' Preference Scheme, Direct Marketing Association (UK) Ltd, DMA House, 70 Margaret Street, London, W1W 8SS. Telephone: 0207 291 3300/Fax: 0207 323 4165/Email: yourchoice@dma.org.uk.

  • If you would like to stop any other unwanted communications please visit The Mailing Preference Service www.mpsonline.org.uk, which provides details on all other preference services, or call the Mailing Preference Service on 0845 703 4599.

  • The Fundraising Preference Service is a website-based service that can help members of the public control the communications they receive from charities. By registering your details with the Fundraising Preference Service you can choose to stop email, telephone calls, addressed post and/or text messages directed to you personally from a selected charity or charities. To find out more and register please visit www.public.fundraisingpreference.org.uk or call their helpline on 0300 3033 517.