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Learn about the tricks played during Scams Awareness Fortnight
14/06/2021
Opportunities to defraud people come in all shapes and sizes – could you spot the signs?
Be on your guard against criminals and scammers – that’s the warning from Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team at the start of Scams Awareness Fortnight.
Recently the team has received reports of scams targeting people using emails, text messages, and social media, pretending to be their bank or HMRC, inviting them to join investment schemes or requesting they ‘verify’ their information.
Jody Kerman, Head of Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards, said: “Scams come in many different guises so, before taking any action or agreeing to an offer: Stop, ‘take five’, and discuss with a trusted friend or family member. Why not learn more about how to spot these kind of crimes by becoming a Friend Against Scams?”
Deception crimes come in all shapes and sizes, from door knocking to phone calls, mail and online. People are urged to watch out for adverts offering fake ‘get rich quick’ schemes; calls and messages purporting to be from bank; pension review offers; texts requesting extra payment for a parcel to be delivered; DVLA and TV licencing scams; and refund offers on council tax payments, utility bills, or similar.
It is thought that scammers are taking advantage of financial measures put in place during the pandemic, such as furlough.
Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: “It is disappointing that some people will look to take advantage of the situation our country is facing, but unfortunately this is a reality. Where possible, trading standards will pursue and tackle these unscrupulous individuals, but preventing people becoming victims in the first place is key. Be a good friend by helping protect your family and neighbours from scams.”
Tips to avoid being scammed:
• Be cautious. Do not be afraid to hang up, bin it, delete it, or shut the door.
• Take time to respond; do not be rushed into making a decision.
• If someone claims to represent a charity, ask for ID. Be suspicious of requests for money up front.
• Check with family and friends before accepting offers of help, if unsure.
• Protect financial information, especially from strangers. Never give bank card or PIN details to a stranger.
• Research whoever makes contact. Almost all financial services firms must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – if they are not, it is probably a scam. Check the FCA’s Financial Services Register to see if a firm or individual is authorised or registered.
• Be cautious of investment opportunities, particularly if they seem too good to be true. Seek professional advice before making any decisions.
• Be suspicious. Scammers can be very smart. They can appear like a trusted business or government official, have a professional website and say all the right things. Take time to work out if this is a real organisation. Ask them for ID or contact the organisation on a trusted number.
• Make sure antivirus software is up to date.
• Keep online accounts secure. Use a strong password for email accounts that are not used anywhere else. Choosing three random words is a good way to create a strong and easy to remember password. Include numbers and symbols.
Anyone who thinks they might have been scammed can report it to Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040. Advice is available from the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. Anyone in immediate danger should contact the police on 999.
In addition you should contact your bank if you think you have been financially scammed.
Age UK runs a telephone support service (for older people and carers) on 01865 411288.
Suspicious emails to can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk scam text messages sent free to 7726.
The website www.FriendsAgainstScams.org.uk offers free online training to help people be more aware of scams.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam