Keep Safe from Scams

The Metropolitan Police Service has produced a third edition of the booklet-The little book of Big Scams. In the booklet are lots of tips to help protect yourself from the seemingly endless ways that you can be persuaded to part with your money by fraudsters. Here are some golden rules from the booklet to help protect you and your loved ones.

• Be suspicious of all 'Too good to be true' offers and deals. There are no guaranteed get rich quick schemes
• Don't agree to deals immediately. Insist on time to obtain independent legal advice before making a decision
• Don't hand over money or sign anything until you have checked the credentials of the company or individual
• Never send money to anyone you don't know or trust, whether in the UK or abroad, or use methods of payment that you are not comfortable with
• Never give banking or personal details to anyone you dont know or trust. This information is valuable so make sure you protect it
• Always log on to a website directly rather than clicking on links provided in emails
• Do not rely on glowing testimonials-find solid independent evidence of a companys success
• Always get independent/legal advice if an offer involves money, time or commitment
• If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help. Contact ActionFraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk  Contact the Police if the suspect is known or still in the area.
• Don't feel embarrassed to report a scam. Because the scammers are clever and cunning there is no shame in being deceived.By reporting it you will make it more difficult for them to deceive others 

Your bank will have useful information about protecting your bank account nad pin number. Follow their advice and never give your bank details to anyone on the phone. Your bank or the police will never do any of the following:

• Phone you and ask for your pin number or your on line banking password or ask you to tap them in on the keypad
• Ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them for safekeeping
• Ask you to transfer money to a new account for fraud reasons, even if they say it's in your name
• Send someone to your home to collect your cash, PIN, payment card or cheque book if you are a victim of fraud
• Ask you to purchase goods using your card and then hand them over for safekeeping. If you are given any of these instructions, it is a fraudulent approach. The police advice is to hang up, wait 5 minutes to clear the line, or if possible use a different phone, then call your bank or card issuer to report the fraud. If you don't have another phone to use, call someone you know first to make sure the line is clear.