Getting wise on Avoiding the Scammers

Although the internet has its huge benefits and has enabled the seamless transactions we all enjoy in terms of shopping, banking, managing our finances and across countless other functions the fact is that it has also become a happy hunting-ground for the many scammers out there.

There is no doubt that being scammed is an increasing problem and it can affect people of any age, income and location.

‘73% of UK adults – or 40 million people – have been targeted by scams, with 35% - or 19 million – losing money because of this criminal offence. The average amount lost by victims is £1,730, but fewer than a third (32%) report the crime to the authorities, according to UK research released in 2023 by National Trading Standards (NTS).’

Perhaps the good news in all of this, is that preventing being scammed is actually very possible if you follow some simple steps before venturing into transactions you suspect could be a scam, or just by way of developing scam-aware habits in your everyday life, especially where your money and data is concerned.

If you are in the very unfortunate position of having been scammed, you will know that it can be a very mentally scarring experience that can destroy your self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as being able to build trusting relationships. 

But the reality is, there should be no shame in having been a victim of the scammers and it really is worth reporting it to the authorities if you feel you have been a victim. 

Remember that scammers prey upon this ‘shame’ factor and as they know that less than a third actually do report, it keeps them in business. If you can find the courage to report a scam you will certainly be helping other potential victims and you may well be exposing new techniques they are utilising to warn others.

Knowledge is power to avoid being scammed

The average scammer out there bases their methods on being one step ahead of the public and the authorities. 

They have built their scamming techniques on a long history of utilising technology (although not always), and combining this with camouflage, mimicry, deception, psychology, manipulation and a long list of other nefarious tactics to appear like the friendly brands and people we trust and readily engage with.

They often catch us off-guard in our unprotected moments, striking at points when we least expect it and are least prepared for it, they are the moments scammers get the most traction from, so we need to be on-guard - to use an old boxing analogy ‘protect yourself at all times!’

So let’s look at some of the common scam tactics that account for the vast majority of scams out there, if you are aware of these you will be much more scam-aware and a far less easier target to your would-be scammer.

Learn these common scam tactics and be on-guard

Phishing Scams 

Phishing is one of the most common tactics used by scammers. It involves sending fake emails, text messages, or even making phone calls that appear to be from trusted institutions like banks, online stores, or government agencies. 

These messages typically contain urgent requests to "verify" your account or claim there's a "problem" with your account that needs immediate action. Often, they include links that direct you to fake websites designed to capture your personal information, like usernames, passwords, or credit card numbers. 

Always check for signs like misspelt URLs, generic greetings, and requests for sensitive information, as legitimate organisations rarely ask for these over email or text.

Fake E-Commerce Sites 

Shopping scams, especially during busy times like the festive season, are increasingly common. Scammers set up fake online stores or listings, offering luxury items, electronics, or other goods at unbelievably low prices. 

Once you’ve made a payment, the item either never arrives or turns out to be fake. To avoid falling victim, always research unfamiliar websites, check for HTTPS in the URL, read reviews, and stick to known or well-reviewed sites. 

When in doubt, check if the website has contact information or customer support you can verify.

Investment Scams and “Get Rich Quick” Schemes 

Investment scams often appeal to our desire for quick and easy financial gains. They can take many forms, such as cryptocurrency schemes, “exclusive” stock tips, or high-yield investment opportunities with "guaranteed" returns. 

Scammers might pressure you with time-limited offers or fake testimonials to create a sense of urgency. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

Always research and consult licensed financial professionals before making any investments, and never send money to unknown sources.

Romance Scams 

Romance scams are emotionally manipulative schemes where scammers pose as interested romantic partners on dating apps or social media. Over time, they build trust, then begin to ask for money under various pretences, like an emergency, travel expenses, or medical bills. 

This type of scam preys on the emotions of loneliness and trust, making it difficult for victims to suspect foul play. Be wary of anyone who professes love quickly, avoids meeting in person, or starts asking for money.

Tech Support Scams 

In tech support scams, you might receive a call or pop-up message warning you of a computer virus or security threat. The scammer will offer to fix the issue if you allow them remote access to your computer or pay a fee. 

Legitimate tech companies do not contact customers out of the blue to report issues. If you get an unsolicited call or pop-up message, ignore it and contact your computer’s official tech support directly if you're concerned.

Lottery, Prize, and Gift Card Scams 

Lottery or prize scams involve messages claiming you’ve won a prize, often accompanied by a request for personal information or payment to cover "processing fees." 

Another variation is gift card scams, where scammers ask you to pay for something using gift cards and then provide the code. Legitimate contests never ask winners to pay upfront fees, and gift card payments should raise immediate red flags.

Current Scams to be aware of

Emails claiming to be from the AA

A warning from Action Fraud after they received over 8,000 reports of emails claiming to be from the AA stating that 'you have won an AA Car Emergency Kit'. The email contains a link to 'claim your kit now' to claim the item.

Anyone following the link will be taken to a phishing website which will attempt to gather personal and financial information to claim the fictional offer.

Our advice is always to be wary of claims made in unexpected email approaches and never click on links or open attachments if approached in this way.

@ Norfolk County Council 

Fake Craft Fair Adverts

A warning to small businesses and crafters about fake Craft Fair adverts which are appearing on Facebook community groups. 

The posts advertise a fictional craft fayre, fair or similar event which claims to be held at a local hall. The organiser calls out for stall holders to sign up and pay a sum of money to them. In reality there is no event, and the fraudster is hoping people will send them a stall holder's pitch fee. 

Our advice is to do your homework before booking into any events and make sure the person advertising such events is a genuine organiser. Call the venue first and double check the event before parting with any money. 

Other red flags to look out for are: 

• The venue not tagged into posts 

• Requests people to send a private message 

• Requests a 'friends and family' payment via PayPal 

• No event advertised on the venue's page 

If you spot an advert on social media and think it may be a scam, please report it to the admin of the page that you see them on so that they can be removed straight away.

@ Norfolk County Council  

Phishing email warning

Warwickshire residents have reported receiving bogus NatWest emails referencing the Consumer Duty and asking recipients to click on a link in the email to update their contact information.

Recipients are warned that their banking activities will be restricted until they do so!

The scam email link is likely to take people to a bogus website where personal and financial information can be stolen. Further, clicking on such links can put the recipient’s computers at risk of malware and other computer virus infections.

Warwickshire Trading Standards expects that the names of other banks will also be used in this scam.

Never click on a link in an email sent by someone you don’t know or trust. Be especially careful with emails from financial and shopping websites where personal and financial information may be held. 

Always visit these websites by typing the genuine web address into the computer's browser or use the official app.

@Warwickshire County Council

Friend-in-need scam

Fraudsters message you pretending to be a family member or friend. They could ask you to urgently send money or share a 6-pin digit number. Stop, think and call your loved one before sending or sharing anything!

@ Citizens Advice Bureau

Winter Fuel Payment scam

Police have issued a warning about scam messages offering extra cost of living support ahead of the colder months after a series of reports of people receiving messages claiming to offer help with winter fuel payments. 

The government and local authorities have been encouraging people who may be eligible for pension credit to apply as this would mean they would still receive the Winter Fuel Payment. 

However, the council or government would not ask people to click on links to make a claim for anything. And those who are eligible for winter fuel payments will be paid automatically. 

The scam encourages you to click on a link to ‘update’ or ‘provide’ your details to receive the payment - these details will likely include asking for your bank account information.

@ Age UK

Fake PayPal emails

Watch out for emails claiming to be from online payment system, PayPal saying you have bought a high value item such as an iPhone. 

The messages ask you to call a specific number if you did not make the purchase. But, once dialled, it will put you through to a scammer who will try to gather your personal information. 

Never give out any personal information or bank details to anyone you are not 100% sure about. If you think your account has been compromised, change your password and security questions.

@ Age UK

Protecting Yourself: Tips and Best Practices

Double-Check Before You Click: Never click on unsolicited links or attachments in emails or texts, especially from unknown senders.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts, making it harder for scammers to access them, even if they have your password.

Keep Personal Details Private: Avoid sharing personal information like your address, phone number, or financial information on public platforms or with strangers.

Monitor Your Accounts Regularly: Check your bank and credit card statements frequently for any suspicious transactions, and report any anomalies immediately.

Educate Yourself and Others: The more you know about scams and the ways they operate, the better prepared you’ll be. Talk to friends and family about common scams and encourage them to stay informed.

Help! I think I’ve been scammed…

Reporting scams not only helps you but also helps others avoid becoming victims. You can report scams to your local authorities, financial institutions, or consumer protection agencies. 

If you feel threatened

Report this to the police immediately by calling 999.

Report the scam immediately

• Report the scam to the police and Action Fraud. You can contact Action Fraud by: 

Calling 0300 123 2040 

• Using their online reporting tool here

• Using their 24-hour web chat service here

Contact your bank or payment provider

As soon as possible, contact the bank or payment provider where you made the transaction. They can try to stop the transaction, or freeze your account to prevent further losses.

If you’ve given the scammer access to your computer

Sometimes scammers ask to access your computer so they can control it remotely. For example, they might pretend to be from your internet provider and say they need to deal with a technical problem.

The scammer might have infected your computer with a virus, or stolen passwords and financial information. To stay safe you should:

• reset your passwords

• let your bank know your financial information might have been stolen

• make sure you update your anti-virus software

You could also get an IT professional to check your computer

For more advice on what to do if you think you may have been scammed, please take a look at the steps on The Citizens Advice Bureau website here

Though the experience can be disheartening, remember that scammers prey on your sense of embarrassment to keep their schemes alive. 

Speaking up helps dismantle their power and makes it harder for them to operate. With greater awareness, diligent habits, and the courage to act, we can all help to protect ourselves and each other from falling into the traps of online scams.

A final note…

We really hope that this article can help protect you when you are shopping online, or as you go about your daily life. 

If the worst should, or has happened, please remember, you should not blame yourself for being the victim of a scam, the perpetrators are highly expert and it’s a fact that anybody, in any walk of life, age, income or profession can be scammed.

You are not alone. You are not stupid, careless or a fool, you are a victim of a crime and however distressing the circumstances, the situation will pass and will resolve.

If you are worried or distressed in the event of being a victim of a scam or fraud and you would like to speak to someone for help, just for your own mental wellbeing, then please take a look at the details below:

Age UK Advice Line: 

0800 678 1602

(Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year)

Supportline

Supportline is a free national telephone helpline. If you’ve been affected by crime and you need confidential support or information, call them free on 0808 16 89 111 or visit the website here.

(You can dial 141 to hide your number, but please check with your network provider as this doesn’t work on some mobile networks).