Cashpoint

The run-up to Christmas, when many of us are racing to get ready for the big day, is prime time for crooks.

They try every trick to lure people in – using phone calls, texts, email and knocking on your door.

A fake Government grant scheme, whereby thieves ask for an upfront fee, has raked in £255,000.

Another dodgy scheme is where victims are told they owe tax but can pay for it through iTunes vouchers.

Be vigilant. Don’t reveal your PIN number – no genuine bank would ask for it – or be tricked into transferring funds to another account.

Don’t click on links in emails and texts. Always type in the address of official websites yourself.

Telltale signs an email is bogus are the sender’s address not matching the official website of an organisation – roll your mouse pointer over the sender’s name to reveal the identity.

Don’t be rushed into anything. If you have the slightest hint something doesn’t seem right, stop.

Contact your bank or other firms directly on a trusted number. You can check a financial firm is regulated on the Financial Conduct Authority’s register at register.fca.org.uk. Report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk.