SAFER ProjectSpeaker for West Yorkshire Pension Fund,

Annual Meeting 2016:

Scams & Frauds

How much money do UK consumers send to scammers and fraudsters each year?

Estimated £10 billion!£2,500 is the average financial loss

Some individuals known to lose more than £1million!

SCAMS & FRAUDS: THE FACTS

PRIZE DRAW / LOTTERY SCAMS

• These scams tell people that they have won a large cash prize, but are asked to send some sort of fee to release it. Remember: no genuine lottery or competition would ask you to send money to claim a prize.

PRIZE DRAW / LOTTERY SCAMS

CATALOGUE SCAMS

• Scammers send out literature selling a variety of different products including food, pills, beauty products, jewellery, clothes and items for the home and garden.

• They guarantee prizes to those who order, but they never send the prize. Instead, they send out more false promises to get more orders.

• These scams are known to be operating out of the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Switzerland.

CATALOGUE SCAMS

PSYCHIC SCAMS

• These scammers have no idea who will be reading their letters, but show false concern and pretend they are going to a lot of trouble to give the reader good health, wealth and happiness.

• They weave some tall stories, including performing rituals. They often blackmail people by telling them “if you don’t pay up, you’ll have bad luck”.

PSYCHIC SCAMS

• Scammers call you pretending to be from a software company like Microsoft, saying there’s a virus on your computer.

• They may say your broadband is running slowly.

• This is a common phone scam – hang up straight away!

COMPUTER VIRUS SCAMS

• Criminals telephone you saying they are from your bank or from the Police. They say they need to collect your credit or debit cards.

• Your bank and the Police will never phone you and ask for your bank details. They will never send someone to collect your cards.

• Don’t do it, it’s a scam!

BANK / POLICE COURIER SCAM

• Fraudsters are offering a wide range of professional-looking scam investment opportunities, including fine art, wine, diamonds, shares and land.

• Remember: never be rushed into an offer and always be wary if you get a call out of the blue. It is best to seek independent advice and always check the credentials of the company with the FCA on 0300 500 8082.

• Or check online: http://scamsmart.fca.org.uk

INVESTMENT SCAMS

• The TPS should stop unsolicited UK marketing calls.

• You can register your landline and mobile telephone number by calling 0345 070 0707.

• It’s free to register.

• If marketing calls persist report them to the TPS!

• Beware scammers trying to charge for service – TPS IS FREE!

NUISANCE CALLS? SIGN UP TO TPS

• These are devices which you attach to your landline phone to block nuisance calls. They are available at high street stores.

• Beware of scammers selling fake devices!

• Activate caller ID by contacting your phone provider and use a telephone with a display to screen your calls.

NUISANCE CALLS? TRY A CALL BLOCKER

KEY POINTS TO REMEMBERRegister for…

• Telephone Preference Service: 0345 070 0707 www.tpsonline.org.uk

• Mail Preference Services: 0207 291 3310 www.mpsonline.org.uk

Report scams to Citizens Advice: 0345 404 0506

Consider buying a call blocking device.

Sign up to scam updates by email: safer@wyjs.org.uk

Pass on information to friends & neighbours.

If it sounds too good to be true…IT PROBABLY IS!!

SAFER PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION

safer@wyjs.org.uk 0113 393 9910facebook.com/SAFERProjecttwitter.com/wytradstandards