GET YOUR CASH BACK

Don’t be rushed into anything. Always take your time and if you have even a tiny doubt then put the phone down, close the door or log out of your computer immediately.

Don’t assume an email, text or phone call is genuine. And never click on links in emails then input personal information.

Never give out your personal information to anyone. Banks, the taxman or the police will never ask you to reveal passwords or PINs.

A bank or the police will never get you to transfer money to a new account for fraud reasons.

Don’t allow someone remote access to your computer following a cold call.

When buying online look for the padlock sign under the URL bar on the payment page so you know the website is secure. The website address should also start with https:// and part of the wording may turn green too.

Don’t pay by bank transfer – always use a credit card, debit card or PayPal to pay for items bought online. Bank transfers can be difficult to trace, meaning you are very unlikely to get your money back.

If you are buying financial products, always make sure the company is on the Financial Conduct Authority register of approved businesses at register.fca.org.uk.

It is sometimes possible to get your money back, depending on how you paid. By reporting the scam to Action Fraud you’ll get a Crime Reference Number which will help show you’ve been scammed.

If you paid by credit card, you have extra protection under the Consumer Credit Act. You can ask your card provider for a refund by making a Section 75 claim if it cost more than £100, and via the Chargeback scheme if it was less than £100. Contact your credit card provider.

If you paid by debit card, ask your bank to refund you using the Chargeback scheme.

It can be very difficult to get your money back if you paid by bank transfer. Report the scam to your bank as soon as possible for the best chance of them tracing the money.