Stay ScamWise

CON artists are nothing new - but with new scams and swindles  emerging every week, staying safe from fraudsters is more important than ever.

And now, with the help of the ScamwiseNI Partnership, you'll be ready to guard against them - and feel confident to tell police if things go wrong.

Scammers and fraudsters are inventive and the schemes they use are varied but the aim remains the same - to take money from unsuspecting members of the public. We all need to be vigilant of any contact from an unsolicited source, whether that is from doorstep callers, telephone, mail or online. Education is our best weapon, preventing people from becoming victims.

Scamming is a matter of real concern to the xxxx PCSP and something we want to help protect the public from falling victim to. We support the ScamwiseNI Partnership aims to foster a collaborative approach between ourselves and partner agencies advising the public that we all need to be vigilant of any contact from an unsolicited source, whether that is doorstep callers, telephone, mail or online

As part of its fight against scammers, the PSNI has compiled a list of 10 golden rules to help you spot and stop a scam before things go too far.

The 10 Golden Rules to stop a scam in its tracks

1. Be suspicious of all ‘Too good to be true’ offers and deals. There are no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes.

2. Do not agree to offers or deals immediately. Insist on time to obtain independent/legal advice before making a decision.

3. Do not hand over money or sign anything until you have checked the credentials of the company or individual.

4. Never send money to anyone you do not know or trust, whether in the UK or abroad, or use methods of payment that you are not comfortable with.

5. Never give banking or personal details to anyone you do not know or trust. This information is valuable so make sure you protect it.

6. Always log on to a website directly rather than clicking on links provided in an email.

7. Do not rely solely on glowing testimonials: find solid independent evidence of a company’s success.

8. Always get independent/legal advice if an offer involves money, time or commitment.

9. If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help. Contact ActionFraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk Contact the Police if the suspect is known or still in the area.

10. Do not be embarrassed to report a scam. Because the scammers are cunning and clever there is no shame in being deceived. By reporting you will make it more difficult for them to deceive others.

Find out on how to stay scamwise at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/scamwiseni