Scams awareness month

Did you know? A scam is a scheme to con people out of their money. Other names for a scam include fraud, hoax, con, swindle, cheat. Each year millions of people in the UK fall prey to scammers. Estimates put the total cost to consumers at £73billion with losses to mass-marketed scams alone of £5 billion.

Did you know Most victims don’t report scams – surveys have found reporting levels as low as 5 per cent. The impacts are huge: some people lose their life savings. But victims also suffer emotional trauma, can become depressed, lose the confidence to live independently and can suffer long-term health problems as a result.

Different types of scams Investment scams Generally targeted at the 55+ age group and are often sophisticated enough to lure in even experienced investors. Also called “boiler room” scams because they use high pressure sales to create a sense of urgency, they may offer shares, or a range of investment “opportunities”.

Different types of scams Courier scams Usually start with an unsolicited telephone call or text advising that a bank fraud has been detected. The scam is completed when the caller attends the victim’s home or uses an innocent courier to collect their bank card.

Different types of scams Computer software service scam Victims are cold called and told that there is a problem with their computer. They are talked through the logon steps so the fraudster can gain remote access to the computer, for which they charge “fees” and gain access to personal and financial information..

Different types of scams Advance fee scams Scammers get people to send money for a range of dodgy or non-existent goods and services – or to collect lottery “winnings”. You can find out more about current scams on Action Fraud’s website www.actionfraud.police.uk

Aims Raise awareness of the extent of scams and the threat they post to finances and well-being Help people to recognise the tell-tale signs of a scam Develop consumer confidence to take time and ask for advice so they make the right decision Raise awareness of how to report scams and encourage people to do this if they spot suspicious activity or have been the victim of a scam

Clear early message developed and agreed by partners: We want to see: Educated consumers who are not rushed into poor decisions by scammers Consumers who refuse to be hushed into silence, who will ask for advice and report suspicious activity. Twitter

Key messages: Top tips to avoid scams If you haven’t bought a ticket – you can’t win it. You shouldn’t have to pay anything to get a prize. Contacted out of the blue – be suspicious. Don’t be rushed – resist pressure to make a decision straight away. Your bank will never phone you to ask for your PIN or your online banking password. Genuine computer firms do not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer.

What should you do if you suspect a scam? CHECK with a trusted friend, relative or neighbour. GET advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service 08454 04 05 06. or 03454 04 05 05 for a Welsh-speaking adviser. If it is a scam this will automatically be reported to trading standards REPORT scams and suspected scams to Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 www.actionfraud.police.uk If debit cards, online banking or cheques are involved, contact the bank or credit card company. TELL family, friends, neighbours so that they can avoid scams

When does it start? 1 July - Public: Press and media 2 July - Stakeholder: Chartered Trading Standards Institute Conference “Consumer Day” Split into four weekly themes Phone 1 – 12 July Online 13 – 19 July Mail 20 – 26 July Doorstep 27 – 31 July

How can you get involved? Come along to local events or training. Display our posters or screen graphics. Tweet one of our sample tweets #scamaware. Post some of our sample content and images on Facebook. Share your knowledge of scams on social media. Share an audio recording of your or others experience of scams.

Get involved Report scams on the interactive map on our website. Use the local social media network, Streetlife, to raise awareness or organise your own local events. To find out more visit: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scamaware