A third of people targeted by lockdown scams

Shock figures from Charnwood CAB

CHARNWOOD Citizens Advice says that a third of the people living in the East Midlands have been targeted by a scammer since lockdown began.

And now the organisation is people to talk about their experiences and look out for others they think could be at risk.

Ian Dennis, chief officer of Citizens Advice Charnwood told the Echo: “Our data shows that the last few months have been very difficult for a lot of people across Charnwood. But despite this, we’ve seen appalling reports of opportunistic scammers taking advantage of people’s worries and concerns.

“It’s really important we all do our bit and report anything that looks like a con when we see it.

“By learning how scammers operate, and helping each other understand what to look out for, we can all work together to stop fraudsters in their tracks.”

To help stop more people being fleeced by these types of scams, Citizens Advice Charnwood is sharing tips on how to spot them.

If you’re worried you, or someone you know, could be getting scammed take the following steps:

• Look into installing a call blocker

to help combat telephone scams.

• Talk to your or their bank immediately if there is any suspicious activity or transactions from their account or credit cards.

• Report the scam to Citizens Advice

who will give you advice on what to do next and report the scam to Trading Standards.

• Report the scam to Action Fraud

on 0300 123 2040.

• If you or someone you know is struggling to pay bills or outstanding debts Citizens Advice may be able to help.

You can also take the following steps to safeguard yourself and others:

• Be suspicious if you’re contacted

out of the blue, even if it’s from a name you recognise.

• If it sounds too good to be true it

probably is.

• Never send money to someone

you’ve never met.

• Never give out your bank details

unless you are certain you can trust the person contacting you.

• Don’t be rushed – you never need

to make a decision straight away and if you feel pressured say “no”.

• Suspect a scam? Hang up, wait five

minutes to clear the line or use another phone to call.

• Don’t suffer in silence – speak out

about scams.