In this section

Some common scams

Scams

What to do if you suspect a scam

If you have received a scam or have become the victim of one, you should contact Consumer Direct:

08454 04 05 06
www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

Many victims don't report they have been scammed. Many don't even tell friends or relatives about their experience. Sometimes this is because people feel the authorities will probably not be interested, sometimes because they feel too embarrassed to take action. However, reporting a scam can help prevent other people falling victim of the same scam. And it will will also help the authorities in developing an effective enforcement and education strategy.

What if you suspect someone else is being scammed?

You might suspect that a relative, friend, neighbour or someone you care for is being scammed, and you may be one of the few people in regular contact with this person. In that case you are in a unique position to help stop the person being scammed. You can do that by knowing what to watch out for, passing on simple tips and knowing where to go for help.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) advises to be careful not to criticise a victim. Victims may be too embarrassed to admit that they have fallen for a scam or refuse to believe they have been conned. Critisising someone could do more harm than good. Instead, you could reassure them by explaining that it's a common problem, that scammers are clever and that all sorts of people get duped.

You can also help them protect themselves by talking to them about the letters or phone calls they get and by sharing some simple tips:

Never reply straight away to an offer. Speak to a relative, friend, neighbour or your carer before you send any money.
Never trust anyone who says you've won the lottery or some other big prize. They will always want you to send them a fee or order something and you'll never see your promised winnings.
Don't ring a premium-rate 090 number to claim a prize. Scammers make money by keeping you on the phone as long as possible and you will not get your prize.
Never give your bank account details or other personal information to people you don't know.
Don't be frightened into sending money to so-called psychics and clairvoyants. They send identical letters to millions of people to con them.
Suggest that the person asks Royal Mail to re-direct their post to a relative or friend and try to stop any junk mail the person receives. Information about how to stop junk mail is available on our things you can do to stop junk mail page.

If the victim is reluctant to talk about the problem or won't accept advice, don't give up. A scammer will not stop until the victim's money has run out - even if this means they end up losing their home and life savings, as well as their confidence and self-respect.

Further information

The OFT has published a guide for carers and care professionals who suspect someone they care for is being scammed. The leaflet, entitled 'Can you stop the person you care for from being scammed?' can be downloaded from the OFT website:

Can you stop the person you care for from being scammed? (PDF, 532Kb)

The OFT has also written a two-page leaflet for elderly people about scams. The leaflet gives practical information about how to recognise scams and about what to do if they suspect they are being scammed:

Don't let them con you (PDF, 190Kb)

Free copies of the leaflets can also be ordered by phoning 0800 389 3158. The leaflets are available in different formats and languages.