A WARNING has been issued over scammers trying to steal money.
The thieves run a number of schemes designed to lure unsuspecting people into parting with their hard-earned cash. They include investment scams, income tax scams and energy scams.
And the Public Protection Partnership, which runs trading standards services in Wokingham borough, said the fraudsters are getting ever more sophisticated.
The Scams Awareness campaign encourages people to report scams, share their experiences and look out for others.
Scams could be items that are too good to be true, such as a holiday that’s cheaper than expected. They can also be times when the victim is pressured to transfer money quickly or in an unusual way, such as Amazon vouchers or a money transfer service.
And scammers will also try and solicit personal information including passwords or PINs
Lynn Collie, Research and Campaigns Coordinator at Citizens Advice West Berkshire, helps organise the Scams Awareness campaign.
“With many people facing increased financial pressures, there are clear signs that scammers are taking advantage of this to trick local people out of their money,” she said.
“Citizens Advice has advised clients who have fallen victim to a variety of scams, including Fraudsters are becoming ever more sophisticated but there are things that we can all do to help ourselves and others.
“Above all, it’s important to report scams and speak about them to family and friends.”
The PPP is encouraging victims to take action if they have been scammed, including contacting banks and card companies immediately.
If scammed online, changing passwords to apps and websites used, including emails.
Call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scamsadvice, and report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
They will also issue a crime reference number.
Cllr Thomas Marino, speaking on behalf of West Berkshire Council’s shared service Public Protection Partnership, said: “Anyone can fall victim to a scam. People of all ages and backgrounds get scammed.
“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. Be on your guard – if you are not sure about something take your time and get advice.”
