If you're being targeted by scams, or if you suspect someone you know is being conned, you should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. Help and advice for scam victims (and their friends and relatives) is also available from the Think Jessica campaign.

Who to contact

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.

Consumer Direct

Consumer Direct is a government funded advice service for everyone to use. They can give general advice, and they will pass the details of scams to Trading Standards and the Office of Fair Trading. Consumer Direct doesn't have a website anymore, but the helpline can still be contacted on 08454 04 05 06.

Action Fraud

Scams can also be reported to Action Fraud, a service is run by the National Fraud Authority. You can report scams (or indeed any type of fraud) either online or by phoning 0300 123 2040.

Think Jessica

Think Jessica is a campaign group set up and run by Marilyn Baldwin. The campaign is named after Mrs Baldwin's mother who was scammed out of large sums of money. The group provides an excellent service to people who are being scammed or know someone who is being targeted by scammers.

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 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 in the Guide to stamping out junk mail on this website.

If the victim is reluctant to talk about the problem or won't accept advice, don't give up. Scammer won't 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)

Free copies of this leaflet can be ordered by phoning 0800 389 3158.