Scams: how to spot and beat them | Central Bedfordshire Council

How to spot a scam

If someone you don’t know unexpectantly contacts you, act with caution and be wary.

A scammer may...

contact you by phone, post, email, text message or even in person
sound pleasant, well-spoken and friendly
appear to have slick, professional leaflets and letters
be persistent and persuasive
lead you to think you have been specially selected
rush you into making a quick decision, by claiming an offer is only available for a limited period or that urgent action is needed
tell you not to tell or trust anyone else

They will tempt you with an enticing offer or some exciting news, such as...

you have won a prize in a draw or a lottery
you’ve been specially selected to join a money-making scheme
you are entitled to a tax rebate
a chance to earn a small fortune by helping them transfer money from a foreign country
they can help bring you good fortune and protect you from bad luck
they can help ease health-related problems by offering various treatments or products

They may even try to threaten or scare you into acting, such as...

your bank account has been compromised and your money is at risk unless you transfer it to another account
say your computer has been infected with a virus
your telephone line or broadband will be disconnected due to an unpaid bill
claim you are going to be prosecuted or that there is warrant for your arrest for not paying a bill

Then they will ask you to...

send money or make a payment by using some other means, such as buying gift vouchers
provide them with or “confirm” your bank account, credit card or even personal details
buy goods from them in order to take advantage of the offer being made
phone a premium rate telephone number (starting with 09)

Information from the Metropolitan Police

Further information to help protect yourself from falling victim to the many different types of scams currently operating in the UK can be found in the following “Little Book” series, from the Metropolitan Police.