RECOGNISING DIFFERENT TYPES OF SCAMS

Scams can take place online, on the phone or in person. Here are some of the ways fraudsters may try and target you and the signs to spot to help you protect yourself

MAIL SCAMS

Common types of postal scams include fake lotteries and prize draws, offers of investments and inheritance windfalls.

What to look out for:

■ irresistible offers that are too good to be true

■ unfamiliar branding

■ not using your name

■ bad spelling and grammar

TELEPHONE SCAMS

Common telephone scams include investments, pension or computer support scams. The person calling often sounds professional and may pretend to be from a trusted organisation such as your bank, the police or a company you recognise.

What to look out for:

■ callers asking you to share personal or financial information or a passcode or pin

■ callers asking for remote access to your computer

■ callers trying to rush or pressure you into making decisions

DOORSTEP SCAMS

Criminals pose as legitimate business people selling goods or services that are faulty, overpriced, poor quality or non-existent.

What to look out for:

■ being asked for money upfront before providing any goods or service

■ No ID or proof of who they are

■ telling you they're doing work for neighbours to try and gain your trust

EMAIL, TEXT AND WEBSITE SCAMS

In what is known as Phishing, an email or text may appear to be from your bank or other company in order to trick you into revealing personal details. You may be asked to click on a link which takes you to a fake website where you will be prompted to enter your details.

What to look out for:

■ spelling or grammar mistakes in emails or texts

■ they may not use your name

■ an unusual email address which may be similar but doesn't match the company email

■ strong encouragement to click on a link.