Scams Awareness Month 2016 How to identify tell tale signs of scams.

This educational resource has been designed to raise awareness of how to spot and stop scams. This can be used as part of a presentation or can be printed off to be used as an activity to use within a group or as a handout. More resources can be found here https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/campaigns/current_campaigns/scams-awareness-month/scams-awareness-month/ http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/education_resources.htm

Scams may Warning signs … catch you unawares You receive an offer that you didn’t request … use a ‘personal touch’ to give you the impression that the offer is exclusive to you Sound pleasant, well-spoken and kind Repeated use of your name Repeated use of names or information from someone who appears to be in authority May claim that you - and only you - have won the top prize … stress the need to ‘act soon’ hoping you will make a decision without checking the details Artificial deadlines that create a sense of urgency Being pressurised to make a decision immediately Create an impression that if you don’t act soon the opportunity will be lost forever A persistent or aggressive salesperson … look professional Have a slick and professional look e.g. on leaflets, letters, adverts and websites Look or sound like it is being made by a trustworthy official organisation or well-known business with a good reputation. … appeal to your desire to take a risk Ask for small amounts of money in comparison to the prize or benefit … appeal to your basic human desires, needs and fears There is a big prize or big benefits, e.g. something that is life changing such as miracle health or slimming cure unbelievable business opportunity an amazing prize in a competition that the person does not remember entering Being told that something bad might happen if you don’t comply

How can you spot sign of a scam email? This is an example of a scam email. Have a look at it and see if you can identify signs that it may be a scam. Also consider how people may think it is genuine….

Is this the email address you have for your bank? CHECK IT! Not personally addressed Makes you worry about your bank account Threat of a problem with your account Suspicious link that you have to follow No geographical or registered address for the bank.

How can you spot sign of a text scam? Unknown number text…. You have been identified as a winner for a premium prize draw. Text Yes to ***** to register for your prize. Text No to ****** to opt out. This is an example of a text scam. Have a look at it and see if you can identify signs that it may be a scam. Also consider how people may think it is genuine….

Unknown number text…. You have been identified as a winner for a premium prize draw. Text Yes to ***** to register for your prize. Text No to ****** to opt out. 1. Is this a premium rate number? Can you check it? 2. Have you entered a premium prize draw? The text is quite vague… does it give specific information? 3. Who are you replying to? What does the word ‘register’ imply? 4. Legally companies must stop texting you if you tell them to stop. However how do you know if they are a genuine company? What will you be charged to text NO?

How can you spot sign of a scam letter? This is an example of a scam letter. Have a look at it and see if you can identify signs that it may be a scam. Also consider how people may think it is genuine….

What does the language imply? Only 10 days to reply…. Personalised letter??? Authorised? Large sum of money Repetition of person’s name Mrs A Monk… is it personally addressed? Urgent reply stressed again… Who is the letter from?

Please refer to the Scams Awareness Month 2016 pack for further detailed information on how to report scams https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/campaigns/current_campaigns/scams-awareness-month/scams-awareness-month/ and the education resources available at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer_education