Scams make victims part with their money and personal details by intimidating them or promising cash, prizes, services and fictitious high returns on investment.
Types of scams include:
- mail scams: for example, mail asking to claim on a lottery ticket or cash prize, clairvoyants and spiritual guides that are made to look like handwritten letters
- internet scams: for example, emails pretending to be from your bank or building society, copycat websites that look like government official departments
- door stop scam: for example, callers at your door claiming to be from the police or council, callers offering to sell you something. Always ask for ID if you are unsure and never give any money away upfront.
- You can find Trading Standards approved traders on their website or call 01392 383430
- rouge traders: a rogue trader will take money for work that they either do not do or do to a very poor standard. If a rogue trader is at your or a neighbour’s property dial 999. Otherwise use the non-emergency number 101 to report to it Police
Report fraud
To report any type of scam please contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Or make an online report here Reporting fraud and cyber crime.
You can report phishing emails to the bank whose brand/identity are being copied. Visit their website to find out the correct e-mail address.
For more information or advice contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline 0808 223 1133.
To learn more about protection from scams to safeguard yourself and your community, you can take Friends Against Scams training.
The The Little Book of Big Scams – 5th Edition is a comprehensive guide to help keep you informed and safe from fraud. An audio version of this book is available on Soundcloud - Stream The Little Book Of Big Scams from Metropolitan Police (you will need to create an account first which is free to do).
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Against Scams Partnership is a collaboration of voluntary, private and public sector organisations working together to stop scams. They share 5 simple steps you can take to help keep people safe from fraud.