Scams are where someone fraudulently attempts to steal money, or information, from their victim. Fraudsters will frequently change the nature of their scams, therefore falling victim to one is increasingly common - reports suggest three quarters of the population have been targeted.
People are more susceptible to scams when they’re at their most vulnerable and scammers use this to their advantage. Scams take many forms, such as fake investments, sham health products to romance fraud and bogus dog breeders.
The most common types of scams are detailed below:
The fraudster attempts to get the victim to make upfront payments for goods, services, or financial gains, that don’t exist. Examples of these are lottery, clairvoyant or psychic, inheritance scams etc.
Authorised push payment fraud
The fraudster pretends to be someone official such as from a bank, the police or HMRC, and convinces the victim that suspicious activity on their bank account has been detected. They will then get the victim to transfer money into a 'safe' bank account.
Computer software service fraud
The victim will receive a cold call from the scammer who will claim there is a problem with their computer. The scammers claim to be from we known companies such as Sky, Virgin and BT to gain the victims trust and attempt to gain remote access to the their computer, this gives them access to everything on the computer. Scammers have been known to take control of victims bank accounts, steal personal information and even charge for the privilege.
Rogue traders will often call uninvited and pressure residents into agreeing to go ahead with work at short notice. The work they provide is often grossly overpriced and very poor quality. They often use pressure tactics to extract additional payments. They will often not provide clear and accurate business details. They often target vulnerable individuals, the elderly, and those who may be less familiar with the home improvement process, leaving them financially exploited and often with unsafe and unsatisfactory work completed.
Below are some tips from Trading Standards to help people avoid falling victim to these scammers:
- Do your research: Always research the background and reputation of a trader or builder before engaging their services. Check for reviews, testimonials, and online presence to gauge their credibility.
- Get multiple quotes: always get quotes from at least three different traders to make a fair comparison of pricing and scope of work.
- Ask for references: Request references from previous clients and follow up on them to gather honest feedback about the quality of their work and professionalism.
- Ask for written agreements: Insist on a written contract outlining the business details, terms, costs, and timeframe for the project to ensure clarity and accountability.
- Avoid cash payments: Don’t make cash payments upfront and use a secure payment method that allows for traceability.
- Trust your instincts: If something feels too good to be true or if a trader exerts undue pressure on you to make quick decisions, step back and reassess the situation.
Fraudsters use fake profiles on dating websites and convince their victims that they are in a relationship. Once they have established the victims trust the scammer will begin asking for money for sick relatives or business opportunities that can’t go ahead due to cashflow problems. The scammers are always keen to meet but have a range of excuses why that they can’t, such as working away in a foreign country.
Friends Against Scams Organisation
Salford City Council are committed to raising awareness about scams at every opportunity and as such became a Friends Against Scams Organisation in June 2018.
Scams affect the lives of millions of people across the UK. People who are scammed often experience loneliness, shame and social isolation. Friends Against Scams aims to inspire action, highlight the scale of the problem, change the perceptions of why people fall victim to scams and make scams a local, regional and national topic.
The scheme is run by National Trading Standards, and provides members with information and training on scams and help in assisting victims.
Scams come in many forms, including junk mail, nuisance calls, doorstep callers and many online methods, this means it is important that as many people as possible need to be aware of the warning signs.
Research shows that 53% of people over 65 have been targeted by scammers, so it is important for everyone to have an understanding of scams to prevent them becoming victims, and also to help others who may have fallen victim.
If you think you have been a victim of a scam you can report it to Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133.
You too can become a Friend Against Scams and take a stand against scams by taking free online training.
To find out more go to the Friends Against Scams website.
This page was last updated on 18 September 2023