Fight Against Fraud - Scam awareness advice

Scams can affect anyone, at any time, regardless of their age or background. But they are a particular concern in our area, with our district seeing one of the highest rates of scams reported, with over 120 cases reported between July and September 2024.

This is why we are working with our Community Warden, Rich, to #FightAgainstFraud. As part of this, Rich has been delivering a series of scam awareness events and on this page, you'll find a range of top tips to help you keep yourself and your loved ones safe from scams both online and at home.

• Scam awareness events
• What to do if you are worried about scams
• What is romance fraud?
• What is courier fraud?
• What is financial fraud?
• How to handle rogue traders and cold callers

Scam awareness events

Our Community Warden, Rich, is here to help if you are worried about scams and want to be able to spot the signs of fraud.

Rich has developed a presentation aimed at residents to help them identify scams and protect themselves and loved ones from fraud. He is always happy to hear from community groups and organisations who would like to organise a presentation.

Rich has recently delivered scam awareness events in Selsey and Chichester, providing presentations for free to members of the public.

Rich's events cover several different, but prominent types of scams and fraud, including: courier fraud; romance fraud on social media and dating apps; financial and investment scams; fraudulent correspondence; and, rogue traders.

To organise a scam awareness event with Rich, please email CommunityWardens@chichester.gov.uk.

What to do if you are worried about scams

There are many different types of scams and fraud, and it can be hard to know what to do if you are worried or if you think you are being targeted. But, with Rich's top tips, these simple steps can go a long way to making sure you are protected while at home and online.

Treat unexpected emails, messages, or letters as spam

Scams can be scary, but treating any unexpected post, text messages and emails received from unknown numbers and email addresses as spam is one simple step that will go a long way in helping keep you safe. If you receive something that you are not expecting, be cautious and treat it like spam until you are certain it's safe.

If you receive a link to a website in an email or text from a number or email address you don't know, you can use Get Safe Online's free online check-a-website tool (opens new window) to check if a website is harmful or safe.

A cold caller describing your situation does not mean they are genuine

If you receive a call or message that you're not sure about, always be cautious.

Scammers will use general stories that can apply to anyone, as well as information found online, to draw you in. So, never agree to anything until you can verify who they are.

If you find that you receive lots of cold calls/scam calls, then you could also consider installing a call blocking system. These can be provided by home phone providers such as BT, Sky, TalkTalk, and Virgin Media.

These work by either screening calls and blocking automated calls, or live callers are asked to identify themselves. Which? Have a helpful guide online (opens new window) that you can use to find out more.

For more information if you are worried about scams, you can also visit Citizens Advice (opens new window) where you will find further guidance. And if you, or someone you know, have fallen victim to a scam, you can report this to Action Fraud UK (opens new window).

What is romance fraud?

Romance fraud can take place on social media, not just on dating apps or websites. The scammer will form a "relationship" with a person for financial gain. They take advantage of the social connection to build up a rapport and gain their trust. Then, they will often try to persuade the person to give them sums of money.

If you receive a message from someone you don't know, always bear this in mind if it wasn't expected, even if they appear to have something in common with you.

What is courier fraud?

One type of fraud that is often misunderstood is courier fraud. Despite the name, courier fraud doesn't involve deliveries, parcels, or post.

Instead, courier fraud is where scammers phone and try to convince you that you are required to hand over money or your bank card, often claiming to be the police or calling from your bank.

They will say that a 'courier' is on their way to collect your card and money, putting pressure on you and not giving you time to check if this is legitimate. If you think this is happening to you, hang up the call and call 159 to check with your bank directly.

What are financial scams and fraud?

Scams and fraud often revolve around money and making payments. They often put pressure on you to make quick decisions to transfer money or make a payment. Genuine bill payments will always specify when a payment is due, and never pressure you to make a payment immediately. If you receive a letter or message claiming to be from your bank and it concerns making a payment of money, call 159 to check with your bank directly if a message claiming to be from them is real.

How to handle rogue traders and cold callers

Many people are also often conned by rogue traders. But there are some steps you can take to make sure you are better protected.

Any trader that cold calls on your property should be avoided, particularly if they mention paying money upfront. A trustworthy trader or company will never show up unannounced, and you should always insist on paying when a job has been completed.

Genuine traders will never pressure you to confirm a job or pay up front. Instead, always take the time to check a company or trader first using Trading Standards 'Buy with confidence' scheme (opens new window). With this, you just enter details of what trades person or company you are looking for, and it will provide you a list of traders verified by Trading Standards, helping give you peace of mind over the services they offer.

1. Don't believe everything you read.
2. Check your recommendation site's credentials.
3. Check how the site handles complaints.
4. Check how the traders are monitored.
5. Check reviews.
6. Do your research before selecting a tradesperson.

You can find more tips online through the Governments 'how to find a recommended trader online' guidance (opens new window).