Scammers are clever and all kinds of people from all walks of life get duped. Fraudsters can be very convincing so it’s important to stay vigilant.

Types of Fraud

Doorstep Crime

Doorstep crime is when someone tries to sell you something or gets you to sign up for something in your home, someone else’s home or your place of work. They may be a genuine salesperson, but sometimes it’s a scam.

Telephone or Electronic Crime

Fraudsters can also contact you via you phone calls, text messages, email or social media. Some may be genuine, but it can easily be a scam.

Always keep in mind how a company or government department will contact you. Banks don’t send emails with links to make changes. The tax office and DVLA don’t send text messages with links to strange sites.

Common types of scams

  • Fake lotteries, and prize draws
  • Clairvoyants
  • Investment Scams
  • Land Ownership
  • Holiday Clubs
  • Wills and Beneficiary of Deceased Estate
  • Dating and Romance Scams.

What to do

Trading Standards, part of the Kingston and Sutton Shared Environment Service, works with the police to prevent rogue traders from operating, and provides advice and guidance to residents who might be affected by these sorts of crimes.

Trading Standards wants to try and help people who are being bothered by these sorts of visits, letters and telephone calls.

Further advice is available at

https://www.sutton.gov.uk/info/200548/business_rates_and_regulation/1327/trading_standards/2

If you think you have been scammed, contact your bank first.

If you are in immediate danger, contact the police on 999


Friends Against Scams

Friends Against Scams is a National Trading Standards Scams Team initiative, which aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams.

  • Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams
  • Complete the Friends Against Scams awareness session and help to raise awareness throughout your community

Join at https://www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/become-a-friend

A Scam Marshal is any resident in the UK who receives scam mail and wants to put it to good use.

  • Scam Marshals are responsible for collecting scam mail and sending it to the National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team.
  • Scam Marshals also talk to people in their community about all types of scams and increase awareness

Become a Scam Marshal at https://www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/scammarshals