HOW TO AVOID, SPOT AND REPORT SCAMS

Scammers are always looking for new ways to catch you out. Scams can happen in many ways, such as via phone, on your doorstep, online or by email. If you know what to look out for, you can help to keep yourself safe.

How to Spot a Scam

Follow these top tips to spot scams:-

• Seems too good to be true? If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• If you have not entered a competition you cannot win it.
• Being contacted out of the blue. You should be suspicious if you have been contacted out of the blue and asked for personal or payment details, either by phone, online, text, doorstep or by post.
• Asked for personal details? Legitimate organisations will unlikely contact you and ask for these details if you are not expecting it.
• Asked to send money? Be wary if you are contacted out of the blue and asked to make a payment of any kind.
• Feeling under pressure? Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into providing your details to try and rush you into making a decision. If something doesn’t feel right, stop and think.

How to Report a Scam

If you have been the victim of a scam, or feel that someone is trying to scam you, take immediate action. Information on what to do is available here on the NI Direct website.

For further information and advice on scams and how to avoid them click here.