It seems a pity to need to repeat this, but although information on scams is regularly published on TV, in the papers and in our newsletter, scams are still working.  So here are just a few reminders to refresh our collective memories.

• Rip Off Britain have produced a leaflet for download and use by anyone to help stop the continuing epidemic of scams. Please click here to view this leaflet.  About £2 million a day is still being taken in the UK.
• Never handover information on you bank accounts to anyone (police, bank officials, etc.) on the telephone. Cut them off and either wait a few minutes or use another phone to ring your bank on the number that you have for your account or Action Fraud (0300 123 2040, http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/).
• Even if your bank does call you about suspected fraudulent activity on your account they will never ask you for PIN or account details beyond confirming your latest transaction for verification or ask you to move money to another account. Always ring your bank directly on the number you have for them to confirm the call is genuine.  It is easy to “spoof” a telephone number.
• Never respond to anyone claiming to be from gas/electric/phone/software/ internet service provider/inland revenue saying a refund is due – but you’ll have to pay a fee to get it and NEVER sign into your Online Banking or give them bank details.
• Never respond to someone who says you have been chosen, or your “pension” could be better invested elsewhere, or there is an unmissable opportunity to make money. Hang up. Check with the FSA’s ‘Scam Smart’ warning list and find your own numbers to contact people. scamsmart.fca.org.uk
• If anyone says you are helping to stop a fraud and don’t tell anyone – ignore it.
• Never be persuaded by anyone, including “officials” who might come to your door, to go to your bank to remove money to help stop a fraud. It’s a scam.
• Never open up an email attachment from addresses/people you don’t know either saying you have won something, they have photographs for you from your recent fun outing or that you have an outstanding fine/bill/ debt. If in doubt follow up by telephone or better still ignore and delete.  And this includes genuine people you are dealing with who suddenly change their bank accounts to receive your money i.e. the conveyancing scam  – check directly first.
• Always ensure your electronic device has up to date Antivirus/firewall software and back up important information regularly. This will help check email attachments and will help if you lose your device too.
• Do not plug an unknown USB stick or data card into your device

Beat fraud – stop and think.  https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk