Scam Awareness Month

June is Scam Awareness Month. This annual campaign aims to create a network of confident, alert consumers who ‘don’t miss a trick’ when it comes to scams.

The Times and Star have recently reported on the increase in phone scams (click here to read the article) and a case where a local lady was defrauded of £320,000 – you can read this story by clicking here. 

What is a scam?

Fraud can take many forms - letters, emails, telephone calls and faxes are sent out daily, in their thousands, to individuals and companies worldwide. It has become a common way for criminals to steal your money. 

There are many words used to describe fraud, and all of these are crimes: scam, con, swindle, extortion, sham, double-cross, hoax, cheat, ploy, ruse, hoodwink, confidence trick. These are just a few words you might hear.

Fraudsters are opportunistic and enterprising, creative and innovative. They can quickly spot new targets and vulnerabilities.

Awareness is often the best defense.

How can I raise my “Scam Awareness”?

On their website Cumbria Police have summarised some of the most common types of fraud. They outline some of the types of scam (such as Investment Scams or Romance Scams) as well as how people might try to contact you i.e. cold calling or door-to-door.

To read the full article click here.

Cumbria Trading Standards has shared the tips below on how to spot scams:

• Be suspicious if you’re contacted out of the blue, even if it’s from a name you recognise
• Don’t be rushed - you never need to make a decision straight away
• If it sounds too good to be true it probably is
• Never send money to someone you have never met
• Never give out your bank details unless you are certain you can trust the person contacting you
• Walk away from job ads that ask for money in advance
• Genuine computer firms do not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer
• Suspect a scam? Hang up, wait five minutes to clear the line or use another phone to call
• Persuasive sales patter? Just say: “No Thank You”
• Don’t suffer in silence - speak out about scams

Scams are a crime - report them every time.

I want to find out more

For further advice on scams you can call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk

Action Fraud is the UK’s national fraud and internet crime reporting centre. Their website has a useful “A-Z of fraud” which helps to clarify which fraud you may have been affected by, visit https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z_of_fraud

Get Safe Online provides practical advice and guidance to help you stay safe when online.

How to report a scam

If you are a victim of fraud that is a crime in progress and you need an immediate police response dial 999.

If you think that you have been the victim of a fraud and it is a non-emergency situation report this to the Cumbria Constabulary on 101 and to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or by visiting their website http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/.