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Scam Awareness

Barclays Bank customers recently received emails from a bogus "Barclays Bank Security Department" asking for account details. Such scams are very convincing and fool people into thinking they are from the real company.

This is a classic example of internet "phishing" whereby scammers pretend to be from a reputable business and steal your identity. Genuine organisations will never email you to ask to update, confirm or validate your account details. Identity theft is on the increase so be aware of the risks and take sensible precautions.

Have you ever been the victim of a scam?

Here are our top tips to prevent you falling victim whether on the Internet or at home.

Scam Awareness Top Tips:

Common sense and general vigilance are your best protection.
Scammers often use email - make sure you have spam controls in place.

Never give money - never send money to "claim your winnings", and never invest in a scheme claiming to be financially lucrative.
If you are unsure you can call Consumer Direct on 0845 040506 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.

Be suspicious about companies that only have a PO Box for an address.

Never give your personal details - only give your name, address, telephone number and postcode if you are a customer. Some scammers ask for bank details.

Premium rate numbers start with 090, so if you are asked to call one of these numbers it may be a scam.

Scammers are inventive - from fake lotteries, prize draws, lucrative jobs (especially work-from-home schemes) to fake online dating and psychics.

Scammers will contact you without asking - by email, phone, mail or in person.

Scammers are often very business-like and appear slick and professional.

If you discover a scam, tell your friends and family. If you have been a victim you should report it to Consumer Direct on 0845 040506 or go to www.consumerdirect.gov.uk. Consumer Direct also gives useful information on scams, and how to avoid them.

What is a Rogue Trader?