Recognising scams

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

• What is a scam and who do they target?
• Tips on avoiding scams
• Reporting a scam
• Common scams targeting businesses

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. They can be in the form of a letter, email, telephone call or a text message. You may be targeted:

• by 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 do not exist
• 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
• to buy gift vouchers that you are told to pass on to 'police officers' or other officials, or that will be collected from you by a courier

It is 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: telephone 020 7291 3310.
• Mailing Preference Service offers a specific 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, includng free newspapers, bundles of leaflets, etc.
• Royal Mail opt out scheme: you can choose to stop materials, such as "To the Occupier" envelopes put through your door.
• Opting 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 can help you manage mail from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Register with the Telephone Preference Service to cut down on unwanted phone calls, texts and SMS messages: visit online or telephone 020 7291 3320.
• Forward spam texts to 7726. All mobile phone customers using UK networks can text this free service to report unwanted text messages or phone calls on their mobiles. Further details can be found on the Ofcom website.

Tips on avoiding scams for businesses

• Do not 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 has the company been trading, have they submitted accounts, have they regularly changed name?
• If the business has a website, check WHOIS to see who registered the website and from where.
• Check the Action Fraud A-Z list of frauds.
• Register with the Mailing Preference Service to cut down on unwanted direct mail that is addressed to you: visit online or telephone 020 7291 3310.
• Register with the Telephone Preference Service to cut down on unwanted phone calls, texts and SMS messages. Visit online or telephone 020 7291 3320.
• Register with Businesses Against Scams for clear practical advice and free training resources to train your staff about scams and fraud.
• Subscribe to the National Trading Standards scam alert newsletter service.
• Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams by completing the Friends Against Scams awareness session.