Scams are on the increase in the lockdown but there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a scammer ….get scammed!
Watch this….
How to spot a scammer
Here are some things you need to watch out for that scammers use whenever they make contact.
It’s out of the blue – A phone call, letter, email, sms text message….it’s all unexpected, so be CAREFUL !
“Hurry! Offer ends soon” – They are trying to rush you so that you do not have time to think , you could even be offered some type of discount if you “Act Now”. Decisions should be made carefully & for that ….you need time!
Big Returns! – as the saying goes: “If it’s too good to be true…it normally is!”
How do you know a firm’s genuine?
Check if they are Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) authorised.
Remember, the FCA authorises almost all financial services firms in the UK & you can always check FCA website to see if a company is registered with them but NEVER do it by clicking on any link, always check direct from FCA website: www.fca.org.uk
Call FCA consumer helpline on 0800 111 6768 if you can’t find a firm on register.
Check the FCA Warning List to see if organisations are working without FCA authorisation
Bear in mind that scammers continuously alter company names & details though!
What to do if you’ve been scammed?
If you have unfortunately been a victim of a financial crime, report it to Action Fraud online or call them on 0300 123 2040. And finally here are some more tips on how to recover from being scammed from Citizens Advice.
Hopefully, these tips will help you to stay one step ahead of the scammers & save you £££’s….….until next time !
