Stay scam safe
Nearly half of the UK adult population has been targeted at some time by a scam. Every year more than 3.2 million adults (1 in 15 people) lose a staggering £3.5 billion to mass marketed scams, such as bogus lotteries, deceptive prize draws and get rich quick schemes.
Although anyone can fall victim to a scam, the elderly and vulnerable are more likely to be targeted and worryingly only 5% of victims report their experience. Some of the warning signs include:
- Telephone calls, emails or text messages from strangers claiming to be from legitimate organisations and asking for personal or sensitive information.
- Too-good-to-be-true offers such as golden investment opportunities, miracle health cures or free gifts.
- Advertisements in newspapers or on lamp posts offering work from home opportunities or get rich quick schemes.
If you think you or someone you know has received a possible scam offer, the OFT advises to; 'Stop, think, and think again'. Be sceptical of sending off money to someone you do not know. Find out more by visiting the Consumer Direct website www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
If you are a customer and believe you could be about to fall victim to a scam, please contact us immediately to report the scam.
