Being Scam aware in the run up to Christmas:
Scams can be difficult to recognise, but there are things you can look out for.
You can use our online scams helper to get advice that’s specific to your situation.
Online scams helper at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/check-if-something-might-be-a-scam/?mc_cid=e509b00d1d&mc_eid=[06077161cd]
We’ll use your answers to the questions to give you advice on:
- how to check whether something might be a scam
- what to do if you’ve been scammed.
It might be a scam if:
- It seems too good to be true – for example, a holiday that’s much cheaper than you’d expect
- someone you don’t know contacts you unexpectedly
- you suspect you’re not dealing with a real company – for example, if there’s no postal address
- you’ve been asked to transfer money quickly
- you’ve been asked to pay in an unusual way – for example, by iTunes vouchers or through a transfer service like MoneyGram or Western Union
- you’ve been asked to give away personal information like passwords or PINs
- you haven’t had written confirmation of what’s been agreed
- If you think you’ve paid too much for something
Paying more for something than you think it’s worth isn’t the same as being scammed. Usually, a scam will involve theft or fraud.
You have other rights if you think you’ve overpaid. Check www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer.
If you think you’ve spotted a scam:
If you’ve given away money or information because of a scam, there are things you should do. Check what to do if you’ve been scammed at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/what-to-do-if-youve-been-scammed/
If you haven’t been scammed but you’ve seen something you think is a scam, you should report it. Find out how to report a scam at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/reporting-a-scam/
If you’re not sure if something is a scam, contact one of our scams advisers. They’ll give you advice about what to do next. Go to: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/get-help-with-online-scams/
Tom Togher
December 2021.