What are the tell tale signs of a scam?
Before you pick up the phone or respond to an email, fax or letter look out for these telltale signs - and think carefully about what you are being invited to do:
- A scam will usually offer you something for nothing, when you have had no previous correspondence or involvement
- You get an 'opportunity' to earn easy money in exchange for an up-front cash fee and perhaps your account details
- You may be asked to call a premium rate phone number to collect a prize
- You may notice poor spelling and grammar
- There will often be a PO Box number in the contact address
- The scam may involve payment being made to an unconnected party in a different country
Remember to STOP AND THINK:
- Never disclose security details, such as your PIN or full banking password
- Don't assume an email, text or phone call is authentic
- Don't be rushed - a genuine organisation won't mind waiting
- Listen to your instincts - you know if something doesn't feel right
- Stay in control - don't panic and make a decision you'll regret
What is Friends Against Scams?
We are proactive in providing you with the knowledge and skills to protect yourself from fraud and scams, and that is why we are proud to support Friends Against Scams, a partnership initiative with the National Trading Standards Scams Team.
Friends Against Scams aims to raise awareness of fraud and scams, encourage people to take part in short online training session's and make a commitment to spread the fraud protection message to family and friends. Anybody can join Friends Against Scams and help spread the awareness of scams to make a difference in their own way.
For more information please visit the Friends Against Scams website(opens in a new window).
