Avoiding scams

There are some simple steps you can take to make sure you don’t lose money or personal details through a scam:

• Don’t ever give bank details, money or personal information to someone you don’t know. Hang up the phone, shut the door or delete the email.
• Legitimate organisations will never ask for your PIN, passwords or bank details.
• Don’t feel pressured. A genuine organisation will give you time to check credentials and consider what you want to do.

Take Five to Stop Fraud

Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment. Take Five to Stop Fraud advises you to:

• STOP: Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
• CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
• PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

Find out more at the Take five to stop fraud website.

Report it

You can report scams and get more advice with Action Fraud, the National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre:

• visit: Action Fraud website
• telephone: 0300 123 2040

Trading Standards

There's more advice about rogue traders and cold callers from Trading Standards (Surrey County Council website) and you can sign up for their newsletter - TS Alert.