Scammers are very clever at duping people into believing their scams are genuine. Here’s how you can help yourself from falling victim to them:
- Be suspicious – be alert to the warning signs. Check out the How To Spot Scams page for advice.
- Delay – don’t agree to offers or deals immediately. Insist on time to obtain independent advice before making a decision.
- Remember your rights – if you agree to buy goods or services and the price is £42 or more you have cancellation rights under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013.
- Hold payments – never send money to someone you don’t know or trust.
- Buy securely – only make payments online if there is a padlock symbol in the browser window frame and you’ve carefully checked the web address for subtle misspellings, additional words and characters and other irregularities.
- Double check – if you’re unsure, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline for help and advice on 03454 04 05 06 before you act.
- Safeguard your details – never give your banking details or personal information to anyone you don’t know or trust.
- Delete – delete any suspicious emails or throw away any junk mail.
- Block – contact your telephone supplier to see what call blocking options are available to you.
- Seek a Trading Standards approved trader – if you’re seeking someone to help in your home, e.g. with home improvements or gardening, we recommend using a Buy With Confidence member – 01392 383430.
For further advice and guidance, contact the organisations in the list on the righthand side of this page.
Latest News
Plymouth joins the fight against criminal scammers
Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Customer Focus and Community Safety and Dr Ruth Harrell, Director for Public Health at Plymouth City Council have joined the Friends Against Scams campaign, an initiative that aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams by empowering communities to ‘Take a… Read More
Residents urged to guard against scams
Residents across the South West are being reminded to keep their guard up against scammers, following the successful investigation into a trader. Victims of jailed rogue plumber Gary Henry from North Devon will receive more than £16,000 of his ill-gotten gains. An Exeter Crown Court Judge ordered Henry, 56, from… Read More