There’s a lot you can do to protect yourself from scams once you know what to look out for. Here are five things to remember if you think you’ve been contacted by a scammer.
- It’s illegal for financial services companies – like pensions providers, banks or insurers – to cold call customers in the UK.
Be very wary of anyone calling you out of the blue. Put the phone down and, if you want to, call back on a number you know to be real. And never open emails or attachments from someone you don’t know.
- Never give your personal details, full PIN or security information to someone who contacts you out of the blue
Legitimate companies might ask for part of your address, or some numbers from a PIN. They wouldn’t ask for your full details. Don’t give anyone full personal information, even if they say they’re from a company you know.
- If it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
Early pension reviews, unexpected lottery wins and limited-time investments. Much as we’d love them to be real, they rarely are. Always check the company offering the deal exists – and call them back on a number you know to be real to check the offer is genuine. And get independent advice before making any financial decisions.
- Customer service agents or salespeople should never get aggressive or pressure you.
Real customer service people are trained to be respectful and give you all the time you need to think. So if anyone is bullying, threatening or makes you feel pressured, they don’t have your best interests at heart.
- You can block unsolicited calls with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
TPS blocks unsolicited calls, though it can’t block all scammers. Join online or text TPS and your email address to 85095.
And finally: if you think you’ve been scammed, speak up
Scammers are organised criminal gangs who use complex strategies to steal from millions of people. Being a victim of fraud is nothing to be ashamed of, any more than being a victim of a burglary.
If you think you’re the victim of a scam or fraud, report it and get advice on the Action Fraud website or call them on 0300 123 2040