Common scams and doorstep crime

Common scams

Anyone can experience scams and fraud. Common scams include:

• investment fraud
• pharming
• phishing
• banking scams
• property scams
• pension liberation scams
• free trial / subscription scams
• cyber crime

Investment fraud

Often initiated with an unsolicited phone call, frequent scam investments include wine, shares, rare earth minerals and land investments overseas. Average losses are very high. Before considering any investment visit the Financial Conduct Authority website for advice and to check that the Company is authorised to sell investments. Their website includes a Scams Smart Checker for investment or pension opportunities. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Action Fraud are warning the public to be wary of investment 

Visit the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) website for more information.

Pharming

The scammers create a website that is meant to look like the original and it makes us believe we are on the genuine site. Always double check the address bar at the top of the webpage, it should read the same as the site that you want. For example, it should read the name of your bank if you are using your bank’s genuine website.

When searching for anything from a government agency such as a new passport or a driving licence, the webpage will always end in gov.uk. This reassures you that you are on the government website. Do not use other providers for these government issued documents as you may end up paying more than the usual fees.

Phishing

Emails and links are sent which are designed to trick people into revealing personal/financial details. By mimicking emails, addresses, websites and payment services, scammers trick us into believing we are dealing with genuine banks, traders and authorities. If you are sent a link, you can hover your computer cursor over the link using your computer mouse or touchpad. Hover the cursor but do not click the link. Text will appear telling you the website destination that you will be taken to if you click on the link. This should always read the same as the destination you are expecting. If the text reads anything else do not click on the link. Advice about these scams can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Banking scams

Bank account fraud may result from identity theft, when cards or bank account information has been stolen, and transactions you haven’t made show up on your statement. Keep your bank cards safe and not with your mobile phone. Never write down your PIN. Check your bank accounts regularly and report any suspicious transactions to your bank immediately.

The police or any other agency will never call you about your bank account and ask you to transfer your money. Don't take any actions that the caller tells you to, instead hang up the call. Then alert your bank using a phone number taken from a bank statement or the back of your bank card. Try to use a different phone to call your bank if possible. Or wait five minutes to make the outgoing call on the same phone.

Protect yourself against identity fraud

• Don’t throw out anything with your name, address or financial details without shredding it first.
• If you receive an unsolicited email or phone call from what appears to be your bank or building society asking for your security details, never reveal your full password, login details or account numbers. Most banks will not approach their customers in this manner.
• If you are concerned about the source of a call, hang up and call your bank, or whoever is supposedly calling you, on a legitimate number printed on your bank statements or other documents.
• Check statements carefully and report anything suspicious to the financial institution concerned.
• If you are expecting a bank or credit card statement and it doesn’t arrive, tell your bank or credit card company.
• Don’t leave things like bills lying around for others to look at. 
• If you move house, always get Royal Mail to redirect your post.
• Get regular copies of your credit report from a credit reference agency.
• Notify your bank immediately if you see any unusual activity on your account.

For more advice about online safety visit the Get Safe Online website.

Property scams

Property fraud is a ‘get rich quick’ investment scam, claiming it can turn you into a property millionaire. Often you attend a free presentation about making money from property investment, and the fraudsters persuade you to pay for, or sign up to, a seminar or course promising to teach you how to make money dealing in property.

You might be offered the opportunity to buy properties at a discount that aren’t yet built, and be persuaded into investing. The land could be agricultural or derelict, and unsuitable for development, and planning permission is refused.  As a result, you may lose all the money you invested.

Another variation is buy-to-let fraud, where companies offer to source, renovate and manage properties, claiming good returns from rental income. In practice, the properties are near-derelict and the tenants non-existent.

For advice visit the Financial Conduct Authority website.

Pension liberation scams

Pension freedoms introduced in April 2015 gave consumers added flexibility to make decisions about their pension pots. This flexibility led to an increase in pension scams. Never move your pension funds based on a phone call out of the blue.

Get advice on pensions from the money and pensions service.

Subscription traps or free trial scams

Some unscrupulous companies use subscription traps, and in particular continuous payment authority (CPA), to help themselves to consumers’ accounts.

Be mindful that clicking links on an official website may take you to a third-party website and you will no longer be protected by the terms and conditions of the official website that you were visiting originally. Always read the small print of any special offer or introductory price, to make sure you are not signing for an unwanted subscription.

More information

To report a scam call Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 or report a problem on the Citizens Advice - Report a scam form.

The Metropolitan Police produces a selection of advice booklets. Visit the Met Police website to download the books, or for further information.

For more information about recurring or emerging scams visit the Action Fraud website, or  the Action Fraud Facebook page.

On Twitter you can also follow @Actionfrauduk, and #scamaware.

Why not become a Friend Against Scams, please visit the Friends Against Scams website to learn more.

Doorstep Crime

Doorstep callers are not always as genuine as they appear. Some are criminals that will lie, cheat, and trick you into giving them money for work that they say needs doing to your home or garden.

Some callers will pretend to be a council official or from a water or gas company. They may tell you they need to get into your home urgently due to a problem. Others may claim to be selling insulation or energy saving deals that might tempt you on the doorstep.

The message is always the same – do not deal with cold callers at your door. If you want work carried out on your home, shop around. Get two or three recommendations from people you trust, from friends or family members. Take your time to decide, do not be rushed. Home improvements are expensive, and you need to consider the purchase.

Reviews on trader sites and search engines may not always be genuine and remember businesses can pay to be at the top of any search you make online. Being at the top of the list does not mean the business is the best. 
Consider using a reputable Trader Approved scheme to help you choose your trader.

Display a notice on your door warning uninvited callers to leave and you can get further information about doorstep crime from Doorstep Crime - London Trading Standards.

If you need advice about a doorstep caller, contact the Citizens Advice helpline on 0808 223 1133, report any frauds to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 and if the trader is on site and you feel scared or there is damage being done to your home contact the police on 999.