Scammers targeted 80% of us this year

CITIZENS ADVICE OFFERS TIPS ON SPOTTING FRAUDSTERS

ALMOST 80 per cent of people have been targeted by a scammer since January, research by Citizens Advice LeicesterShire has found.

Fraudsters tried to trick people in a range of ways, but the most common in the East Midlands was delivery scams.

Half of people in the area said they had been contacted about a scam of this kind.

Three-quarters of people said they were worried they or a loved one could fall victim to a scam.

Richard Evans, chief officer of Citizens Advice LeicesterShire, said: “A shocking number of people have been targeted by a scammer so far this year.

“As life begins to unlock, it’s so 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.”

Citizens Advice LeicesterShire said it might be a scam if:

■ It seems too good to be true – for example, a holiday that is much cheaper than you would expect;

■ You suspect you are not dealing with a real company – for example, if there is no postal address;

■ You have been pressured to transfer money quickly or in an unusual way – such as by iTunes vouchers or a transfer service;

■ You have been asked to give away personal information such as passwords or PINs;

■ You have not had written confirmation of what has been agreed.

If you have been scammed, Citizens Advice LeicesterShire said you should talk to your bank or card company immediately if you have handed over any financial and sensitive information or made a payment. Offline scams, such as telephone, post and doorstep can be reported to Citizens Advice online or by calling 0808 223 1133.

Report online scams to the dedicated Scams Action service either online or on 0808 250 5050.

The scam can also be reported to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.