Scammers’ tactics become more sophisticated every year, making some tricky to recognise, but there are things you can the look out for.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. For example, tickets to an event that are much cheaper than they’re being sold elsewhere, or a holiday that’s a lot less than you’d expect to pay.
Be wary of people contacting you out-of-the blue on social media sites or via text and email offering an item for sale or deal on something.
Do your research. If you’re buying from a website you haven’t used before, spend a few minutes researching it. A good place to start is finding a website’s terms and conditions.
You should also look up the company’s address, this can normally be found in the website’s ‘contact us’ section and should have a street name, not just a post office box. If it’s a registered UK company you can check its details on the Companies House website.
Check to see what people have said about the company. It’s worth looking at different review websites to see other people’s feedback – don’t rely on reviews the company has put on its own website.
Scammers will often ask you to pay in an unusual way, or very quickly. For example, you’re asked to send money through a transfer service like MoneyGram or Western Union or pay via vouchers.
Remember, never give away your personal information like a password or PIN and never click on or download anything you don't trust.
If you've been scammed, there are organisations you should report the scam to.
If you’ve transferred money in the last 24 hours, speak to your bank and the police. You should also contact the police if the scammer is in your area or you feel unsafe. You can also report the scam to Citizens Advice and Action Fraud.
Don't feel embarrassed about reporting a scam – scammers are clever and it can happen to anyone.
Reporting a scam helps track down and stop scammers, helping to prevent it from happening to others too.
If you need further help or support please contact: East Cambs District Council (ECDC) via phone on: 01353 665555 or drop-in from Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm at: The Grange, Nutholt Lane, Ely.
Residents of Fenland and Huntingdonshire contact Citizens Advice Rural Cambs at: Adviceline: 0808 278 7807, Monday to Friday 09.30 to 15.30; Universal Credit Help to Claim line on: 0800 1448444, for anyone seeking to make a new claim for Universal Credit: webchat or email: www.citizensadviceruralcambs.org.uk
Information also available on our website at www.citizensadviceruralcambs.org.uk or at www.citizensadvice.org.uk .
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