Don’t fall victim to fraud or scams – Stay informed and stay safe
What is fraud?
Fraud is when a person lies to you, or ‘scams’ you, to gain an advantage, such as taking your money or learning private information about you. This could be via email, text, phone or in person, either on the street or on your doorstep. Some adults may be especially vulnerable to fraud and financial abuse.
What to do if you think you have been defrauded
The first thing you should do is contact your bank or payment service provider to explain what has happened. You should tell them about a suspected fraud or a disputed payment as soon as you can.
You can also contact the Financial Ombudsman. More details here:- Fraud and scams (financial-ombudsman.org.uk)
If you get a scam email
Forward the email to report@phishing.gov.uk. It will go to the National Cyber Security Centre – they might be able to stop other people being scammed.
If you have been scammed through the post
Royal Mail investigates postal scams. If you have received something in the post you think is a scam, send it to ‘Freepost Scam Mail’. Include the envelope it came in and a completed scam mail report. You can download a scam mail report from Royal Mail or call them and ask for a form and pre-paid envelope.
Royal Mail
Email: scam.mail@royalmail.com
Telephone: 0800 011 3466
If the scam involves financial services
If the scam involves cryptocurrency, investments, insurance or pensions, report it to the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Conduct Authority | FCA
If you think you’ve been scammed into transferring your pension, contact your pension provider immediately. Then get in touch with The Pensions Advisory Service.
Finally, and most importantly, if you feel that something seems too good to be true always double check and take the time to think through the information you have received. If this is a telephone call you were not expecting. End the call and dial the number you have for your bank or trusted company you normally deal with.
Useful Links
Fraud and scams (financial-ombudsman.org.uk)
Report a scam | FCA
Contact us | MoneyHelper
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