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Scams - and how to avoid them

Warning signs

Look out for these warning signs:

  • Was the offer unsolicited?
  • Why do I have to respond at once? What's the rush?
  • Do I have to buy something to win a prize?
  • Do I have to ring a premium rate number?
  • Do I have to give my bank or credit card details?
  • Is the business reluctant to give their address or contact details?
  • Am I being asked to keep it confidential?
  • Does it look too good to be true?  

 

How to avoid scams

Follow these useful tips to safeguard yourself from scammers: 

  • Ask for full contact details, including the street address of the company
  • Take notes of conversations, including names, dates and times
  • Read letters carefully and seek professional advice (such as an accountant or solicitor if significant amounts of money or responsibilities are involved)
  • Independently verify any claims made by a sales person, investment adviser or advertisement. In the UK, all companies must be registered with Companies House
  • Read the small print on any documentation and be sure you understand all the terms and conditions of any offer made to you
  • Take your time to make a decision and resist any urge to 'act now'
  • Don't provide any personal or financial information before you establish the company is legitimate
  • Don't judge a company or sales person by how professional they or their promotional material seems.
  • Don't ever be afraid to ask questions and don't let embarrassment or fear prevent you from reporting fraud or abuse to the appropriate authorities
  • Never pay for a 'free' gift. If it's a 'free' gift, you shouldn't have to pay for it.

Remember: Kent Police never cold-call or ask individual members of the public or small businesses to take out paid-for advertising in any of their publications.

Genuine companies will not object if you tell them you will be checking they are legitimate and will call them back later. 

Safe from Scams

 

Find out about the latest scams

Find out about some of the latest scams:

 

Action Fraud UK

Report a scam

You can report a scam to Action Fraud, either through their online reporting tool or by calling them on 0300 123 2040.

You can also call Kent Police on 101.