About the National Trading Standards Scams Team

About Friends Against Scams ‘Take a Stand Against Scams.’

Who is who in Friends Against Scams? SCAMchampions SCAMbassadors  

SCAMchampions Attend a SCAMchampion training session. Recruit new Friends Against Scams. Hold Friends Against Scams Awareness sessions.

Why is learning about scams important?

To get victims hooked and responding to scams, criminals rely on: Shame Social isolation Loneliness Vulnerable circumstances And the fact that victims might not always admit (or be aware) that they are a victim of a crime.

A cycle of victimisation Victim responds to scam. Personal details added to a Victim’s list. Criminals target the victim. Victim receives more scams. Victim loses money.

Scam victims SUFFER IN SILENCE £1 million 30 pieces of mail 10 phone calls Doorstep Scams victim being escorted to the bank. £160k Work on driveway 2 year repeat visits

Letter from a scam victim to a criminal “So sorry, so if I’m not too late, PLEASE can we start again? Will you write to me again and I’ll send you your £30?”

Scam victims are often lonely and the criminal is the only ‘friend’ they have. “I get up, I wait for the post, I sort it, I go to bed. What else have I got? I might as well be dead.” “I hope I win, so I can move to a home. I want someone to talk to.” “I don’t get out, because I'm frightened. These letters are all the company I ever get.”

Five key points about scams 53% £5 – 10 billion Anyone 5% Criminals

Types of scams Postal scams Telephone scams Doorstep scams Online scams

Lottery or Prize Draw Scam Postal Scams A victim in Yorkshire added together all the alleged winnings from postal scam mail and over a six month period she would have won £2.8 million. Lottery or Prize Draw Scam Catalogue Scam Clairvoyant Scam Inheritance Scam

Would you respond? Requests money first before getting prize. Customer’s 1st name is used in the letter to make it personal. Made to look authentic with directors name, picture and signature. Letter is written to put people under pressure to reply. Stamps are used to make it look official. PO Boxes are used instead of full postal address. Fake testimonials or money back guarantees to make offer seem genuine. Too good to be true offers. Made to look dazzling. Often says to keep their winnings a secret.

Telephone Scams In a recent project, whereby call blocker devices were installed in the homes of telephone scam victims, 93% of users felt safer as a result of having a device to eliminate scam calls. Vishing SMShing Investment Scam Pension Scam Computer Scam

Mr G’s story

Doorstep Callers (Rogue Traders) Bogus Callers (Distraction Burglary) Doorstep Scams Lottery or Prize Draws Catalogue Scam Clairvoyant Scam Inheritance Scam You are legally entitled to a 14 day cooling off period for contracts made in your home. Doorstep Callers (Rogue Traders) Bogus Callers (Distraction Burglary)

The Twin’s story

Impersonation of UK officials Online Scams 53 per cent of the population now view online crimes as seriously as 'physical world' crimes, destroying the notion internet fraud is 'faceless' and of less importance than other offences. Phishing Pharming Romance Scam Impersonation of UK officials

Would you respond? Inconsistent email address. Incorrect URL / website links. Poor spelling and grammar. Pressure to respond. Often contains an attachment. Overuse of capital letters. Absent or inadequate email signature. Inconsistent subject and content. Vague or non-existent subject. Not addressed to a specific person. Requests for personal or financial information.

Financial hardship and / or self neglect How to spot a victim… Postal Scams Post office Mail Stamps Cheque books Products Free gifts Telephone Scams Phone calls Payments SMS messages Friends Helpful caller Opportunities Doorstep Scams Poor quality Unnecessary work Fearful Pressure Cash withdrawals Online Scams Suspicious emails Final demands Refunds Online relationship Payments Financial hardship and / or self neglect

Anyone can be a scam victim. Health issue Dementia Vulnerable Socially isolated Lonely Pressure Sense of purpose Targeted by criminals Trust easily

Consequences of falling for scams. Attempt or commit suicide Poor mental, physical or emotional health Debts Damaged relationships Repeat victimisation More likely to end up in care

Scams are the product of organised, predatory criminals… …who gain trust to exploit and steal money. Use befriending and grooming techniques Appear legitimate Helpful Persuasive Persistent Friendly Charming Threatening Aggressive Intimidating

Test your knowledge!

Top Tips - what can you do to protect yourself and/or others? 1 Never disclose security details. 2 Don’t assume everyone is genuine. 3 Don’t be rushed. 4 Listen to your instincts. 5 Stay in control.

Top Tips - what more can you do? Talk Report Contact bank Seek further help

You are now a Friend Against Scams. Congratulations! You are now a Friend Against Scams.

Make a pledge and turn your knowledge into action. What’s next? Make a pledge and turn your knowledge into action.

The Friends Against Scams Team have pledged the following:

So, what will be your pledge?

Thank you for joining us today Visit us online for all the latest news and information about Friends Against Scams: www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk #FriendsAgainstScams