Each year millions of UK consumers fall victim to scams.
The definition of "a scam' is a trick, a ruse, a swindle, a racket" and it's nearest synonym is FRAUD.
Fraud
Fraud is the most commonly experienced crime in the UK. Fraud costs the UK many billions of pounds every year. The impact of fraud and related offences can be devastating, ranging from unaffordable personal losses suffered by vulnerable victims to impacting the ability of organisations to stay in business.
There are hundreds of scams - fake lotteries and prize draws, get-rich-quick schemes, bogus health cures, investment scams, pyramid selling and many more.
The scammers are clever, and all kinds of people from all walks of life get duped. There's a scam for everyone - no matter how alert or clued up you think you are.
Don't let them con you
Don't let the scammers con you. Follow these tips to avoid getting tricked out of your money.
Be sceptical
Beware of extravagant promises. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don't be afraid to bin it, delete it or hang up.
Take your time
Scammers don't like to give you time to think. They will try to pressure you into making a decision by telling you that if you don't act now, you'll miss out. Resist any pressure to make a decision right away. Consider asking a friend or family member for advice, or even an accountant or solicitor if big sums of money are involved.
Know who you are dealing with
Be suspicious if you're contacted out of the blue by someone you've never heard of. This is often a clear warning sign that it's a scam. Don't be fooled by official looking websites and marketing materials. Scammers are very good at making their scams look authentic.
Protect your financial information
Never give your bank account details and passwords to someone you don't trust. Trustworthy firms will never contact you to ask for this information.
Cut junk mail and calls
Take some simple steps to cut the number of unsolicited offers you receive in the first place - see nuisance calls for more information.
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