Stay Sharp, Stay Safe: Scam Awareness

In partnership with Norfolk Constabulary, we're visiting a few of our sheltered schemes next week to discuss scam awareness with local residents. All are welcome to join - information is on the posters below!

...the growth of scams to steal your personal data and your money is a thriving and growing industry. Mainly originating mostly from call centers based off shore, in developing countries or countries with high levels of corruption. They are well funded, using high tech systems and with access to millions of items of personal data that has been captured from our everyday use of the internet, social media and when we complete purchase documents giving our personal information.

Scams and “Phishing' (use of emails, texts or phone calls to trick a victim into some sort of action) is the growth industry and everyone must be alert to the dangers and risks.

If you use the internet for any reason whether its shopping, personal use like Facebook or gaming, then you are at risk of being scammed. Your mobile phone, landline or letterbox are all ways that scammers can reach you, so always be on alert.

It is normal for everyone to assume that being scammed will not happen to them but according to the office of national statistics between April 2022 - March 2023, an estimated 3.5 million incidents of fraud were experienced in the UK.

According to a survey by the Global Anti Scam Alliance (GASA) around 10% of UK adults fell prey to a scam in the last 12 months.

The next article has a list of common scams circulating at the moment but remember they are always looking for new ways to steal your data and money.

This article has a list of scams that are really common. It will only take a couple of minutes to read and you will be better equipped to avoid any scammers potentially heading your way!

Impersonation scams

During an impersonation scam, fraudsters pretend to be a figure of authority to convince you to part with sensitive information. Scammers are most likely to impersonate bank staff or the police saying your money is unsafe and you have been hacked but they can help.

Banks and other organisations will never call you or send messages of this sort, so if you are approached, then hang up and call your bank. The number is on the reverse of your bank card.

Jobs scams

Social media adverts and emails offering jobs that ask for a fee are always a scam so only go direct to well-known employment companies.

Loan fee fraud

With loan free fraud, scammers charge victims a fee for fake loans that they never receive and also then have your bank details for other types of fraud.

Lost phone scam

Scammers are impersonating children and targeting parents to send them cash. The message will have a generic opening such as "Hello Mum" or "Hi Dad". They'll claim that they've lost their phone or their phone is damaged and that is why they're messaging from a different number. Parents are then asked to send money urgently for various reasons to a different bank account as due to their phone loss they cannot use their on-line banking and using their friends bank account.

Parcel delivery scams

Criminals pose as legitimate delivery companies to convince victims they need to pay additional fees or reschedule a delivery, in a bid to access their cash, personal information or bank details. Of the 40 million UK adults targeted by scammers in the first quarter of 2023, almost half (49%) encountered this kind of scam.

Ghost Insurance Brokers

Young drivers being quoted high insurance motor premiums by real insurance companies are falling for Ghost Brokers - scammers who sell invalid car insurance policies at unrealistically low prices. After making a sale, scammers send fake insurance documents, or take out a real policy but falsify details such as age, address and history to bring the premium down. Most drivers do not realise they have been scammed until they need to make a claim.

False Train Ticket scams

Advertised on Facebook offering a £3 gift card for a year travel. A false Great Western Railway claim a limited number of these are available to attract instant buy but all that happens is that your personal and banking information has been stolen.

Romance or lonely heart scams

Romance scams occur when a scammer adopts a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust. The scammer then uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and/or steal from the victim. These scams usually run for weeks or months to build trust and then a request for money due to some spurious mishap is made by the scammer. Never send money to someone you have not met face to face no matter how genuine it seems and do not give in to emotional pressure

Phishing

Scammers impersonate legitimate organisations or individuals to trick victims into providing personal information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers.

Investment scams

Scammers offer fake investment opportunities promising high returns with little or no risk, often targeting inexperienced investors or those seeking quick financial gains.

Lottery or prize scams

Victims receive notifications claiming they have won a lottery or prize but must pay fees or provide personal information to claim their winnings, which are non-existent.

Tech support scams

Scammers impersonate tech support representatives and claim that victims' computers are infected with viruses or malware, offering to fix the issue for a fee or by gaining remote access to the victim's device.

Charity scams

Scammers exploit people's goodwill by soliciting donations for fake charities or causes, diverting the funds for personal gain.

Remember if it sounds too good to be true - it probably is!

Robbie's tips for avoiding scams:

1. If an offer seems too good to be true then it probably is.

2. Never click on a link in an unexpected email or text.

3. Check the origin of an email by highlighting the 'from' box to see who sent the email.

4. If you are contacted by your bank, building society or other company asking for you to act, hang up and call your provider on a number you know is genuine to check if they have tried to contact you.

5. Never act quickly as that is what scammers want.

6. Scammers may well have some of your personal information already and use it to try and convince you they are genuine.

7. If you are concerned about something, ask a family member or friend to look at the situation for a second opinion.

In addition:

Stay Informed: Educate yourself about common scams happening in your area and how they operate - these are often communicated on apps like Nextdoor or on your Facebook newsfeed. Awareness is your best defense against fraud.

Verify Identities: Never provide personal or financial information to unsolicited callers, emails, or messages. Verify the identity of the individual or organisation before sharing any sensitive information.

Be Skeptical: If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and question unexpected or unrealistic promises, especially regarding lottery winnings, inheritance, or get-rich-quick schemes.

Secure Your Devices: Keep your computer, smartphone, and other devices updated with the latest security software. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.

Protect Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing personal information online, especially on social media platforms. Scammers can use this information to tailor their scams and target you more effectively.

Use Secure Websites: When making online purchases or providing financial information, ensure that the website is secure. Look for "https://" in the URL and a padlock icon in the browser's address bar.

Verify Charity Organisations: Before donating to a charity, research its legitimacy and effectiveness. Avoid donating in response to unsolicited requests and instead donate directly through the charity's official website or verified channels.

Guard Your National Insurance Number: Your National Insurance number is highly sensitive and should only be shared when absolutely necessary. Be cautious about providing it and verify the legitimacy of any request.

Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly monitor your bank accounts, credit cards, and credit reports for any suspicious activity. Report any unauthorised transactions or discrepancies immediately.

Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your gut instinct and proceed with caution. Don't hesitate to seek advice or assistance from trusted friends, family members, or authorities if you're unsure about a situation.

Most importantly as Robbie says "Be scam aware at all times!"

The Rippling Effects of a Scam: Beyond the Financial Toll...

Scams aren't just about losing a few pounds. They can pack an emotional punch that lingers long after the money's gone. We often skim over this side of scams, but the truth is they can leave us feeling shaken, embarrassed, and downright wary. It's like a breach of trust that echoes in the back of our minds, making us question who we can really rely on.

If you've fallen victim to a scam, don't bottle it up. It's not something to sweep under the rug or feel ashamed about. These scams are like chameleons, masquerading as trusted friends or reputable institutions to snatch your hard-earned cash. And they're cunning too – catching you off guard on a busy day or during one of life's rough patches. We've all been there, right?

Please share your story with others in the Scam Forum as you will help prevent others from being scammed. If you can't, please reach out to Victim Support, their free support line is open 24/7 every day of the year 08 08 16 89 111 or speak to someone via live chat .

It is good to talk.