Simple Safety Guide: How to Avoid Scams

Scammers use pressure, rush tactics, and official-sounding names to trick people. The most important rule to remember is simple: It is always okay to say "No," put the phone down, or close the door. Genuine organisations will never mind you taking time to double-check.

1. Phone Calls

• The Golden Rule: Never give out your PIN, bank passwords, or transfer money because of an unexpected phone call.
• Watch Out For: Anyone claiming to be from your bank, the police, HMRC, or an internet provider saying your account is hacked or urgent action is required.
• What to Do: Just hang up. If you want to check if it was real, wait 5 minutes (to ensure the phone line has cleared) and call the official number printed on your bank card or monthly statement.

2. At the Front Door

• The Golden Rule: You are under no obligation to open the door to anyone you don't know.
• Watch Out For: Unsolicited builders claiming you need urgent roof or driveway repairs, or salespeople demanding payment up front.
• What to Do: Use a door chain or peek through a window first. Ask for official ID, or tell  them to leave written information in the letterbox. If someone refuses to leave, call the  police.

3. Letters & Post

• The Golden Rule: If you have to pay money to claim a prize, it isn't a prize.
• Watch Out For: Letters claiming you've won an unentered lottery, letters asking for bank details to release an inheritance, or high-pressure charity demands.
• What to Do: Throw suspicious letters straight into the recycling. Never call numbers or use web addresses written inside unexpected letters.

4. Online & Emails

• The Golden Rule: Never click on web links inside unexpected emails or text messages.
• Watch Out For: Messages claiming a parcel couldn't be delivered, or emails showing small spelling errors asking you to "verify" an account.
• What to Do: Delete the message. If you think an account really has an issue, open your web browser and go directly to the official website yourself.