Recognising scams

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In this section you will find all the information you need to know about scams.

We cover topics such as:

What is a scam and who do they target?

Scams are schemes designed to con you out of your money. There are a range of scams that can target you at home or work and come in the form of a letter, email, telephone call or a text message. You can be targeted:

  • through the post with offers of prize draws, lottery win claims clairvoyants and psychics
  • over the phone with advertising schemes and offers to reduce tax
  • through your computer with viruses or false offers to remove viruses that don't exist
  • by being offered loans by fake lenders who ask you to pay fees up front via Western Union or other money transfer services
  • by being misled when buying goods on the internet. A few sites may be fake and there are others that sell fake goods.
  • by being asked to buy gift vouchers that you are told to pass on to 'police officers', other officials or that they will be collected from you by a courier.

It’s not only consumers and the general public who are targeted by scams. Businesses are also targeted. See Common scams targeting businesses.

Tips on avoiding scams for Consumers

  • Register with the Mailing Preference Service to cut down on unwanted direct mail that is addressed to you: phone 0207 291 3310.
  • You can select a specific service from the Mailing Preference Service if you have been bereaved or suffered the loss of a baby
  • “Your Choice” service  blocks post that is not specifically addressed to you. This might include free newspapers, bundles of leaflets etc. www.mpsonline.org.uk/mpsr/yourchoice
  • The Royal Mail also has an opt out scheme through which you can choose not to have materials, such as those "The Occupier" envelopes, put through the door www.royalmail.com/personal/help-and-support/how-do-I-stop-receiving-any-leaflets-or-unaddressedpromotional-material
  • Opt out of fund raising charity appeal mailings can help when you no longer want to receive contact from charities. The fundraising preference service operated by the Fundraising Regulator is free and it will help you manage communications from England, Wales and Northern Ireland
  • Register with the Telephone Preference Service to cut down on unwanted phone calls, texts and SMS messages: visit www.tpsonline.org.uk or call 0207 291 3320
  • Forward spam texts to 7726 for this is a number that all mobile phone customers using UK networks can text to report unwanted text messages or phone calls on their mobiles. You are not charged for using the 7726 service. Further details including helpful videos for both iPhone and Android instructions can be found on the Ofcom website.

Tips on avoiding scams for Businesses

  • Don’t rush into an agreement.
  • Have clear authorisation procedures in place for who is allowed to purchase items on behalf of your business. Consider having secure procedures in place for any business purchase to be authorised.
  • Make some basic internet checks on the business that has approached you. Just typing their name into a search engine may bring up blogs and other warning information.
  • Check Companies House - how long have they been trading, have they submitted accounts, have they regularly changed name? www.companieshouse.gov.uk
  • If the business has a website check WHOIS to see who has registered the website and from where. http://whois.domaintools.com/
  • Check the Action fraud website. They have an A-Z list of frauds. www.actionfraud.police.uk
  • Register with the Mailing Preference Service to cut down on unwanted direct mail that is addressed to you: You can visit www.mpsonline.org.uk or phone 0207 291 3310.
  • Register with the Telephone Preference Service to cut down on unwanted phone calls, texts and SMS messages. You can visit www.tpsonline.org.uk or call 0207 291 3320.
  • Register with Businesses Against Scams for access to clear practical advice and free training resources you can use to train your staff about Scams and Fraud.

Both consumers and businesses can keep up to date with the latest scams by subscribing to the National Trading Standards fortnightly scam alert newletter service.

Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams by completing the Friends Against Scams awareness session.  

Last updated: 6 November 2023