Top tips for fighting the fraudsters

 Unexpected calls If you didn’t expect the call, then it could be a scam. If you’re not sure, you can call back.

 Pressure calls — Fraudsters want to hurry you into making a quick decision. They may also ask you to keep it quiet and not tell anyone about the call. Don’t trust anyone who does this.

 A need to transfer money — Scam calls can try to get you to transfer money for security purposes or to a safe/secure/holding account. Do not do this. Banks would never ask you to move money to a ‘safe’account.

 Refunds — If a call offers you a refund, it’s a scam.

 Test transactions — If a call asks you to do a test transaction, then it’s a scam.

 Calls from the police — It’s very rare for the police or Scotland Yard to call. If they do call, they’ll always follow up with a visit from an officer with photo ID and a warrant number.

 You’re asked to log on to your computer — A scam call may tell you there’s something wrong with your computer or ask you to download something. They could pretend to be from your broadband provider or trusted software company. But, if you didn’t ask for this call, it’s a scam.

If you get a cold call, you can stay safe by following this advice:

 Hang up the phone — If you’re not sure who’s calling, hang up the phone.

 Tell them you’ll call back, but use a number you associate with the company, not the number they use or give you. If they say it’s the police you can call back on 101.

 Do not transfer any money — Your bank or the police will never call and ask you to move money from your account.

 Do not log onto your computer - Unless you called for help, do not log on to your computer for an unexpected call.

 Do not let anyone take control of your computer — Unless you called for help, do not let anyone take remote control of your computer.

 Do not say what is on your computer screen — A real call would not ask for you to tell them what’s on your computer screen.