Scams come in many forms and are always evolving; uninvited contact is received by email, letter, and telephone or in person making false promises to con victims out of money.
Generally, official organisations would never contact you out of the blue or cold call you. If it is uninvited, assume it is a scam. Just hang up! Do not click on any links, or calls asking you to click or press any digit that you receive uninvited. The scammer is after your personal details in doing so to con or scam you.
Hide your pin number wherever you may be required to use it and never let anyone see it or share it. If you are in a restaurant, keep sight of your card and never let the waiter take it away if you pay for your meal that way. If you tap to scan your card to pay, place the long number facing down to avoid your card number being read by any hidden cameras or from public gaze to prevent being scammed. At an ATM, if your card jams in a machine don’t leave that spot call your bank from there and stop your card.
If you have been scammed:-
1) Call your bank (the number is on the back of the card)
2) Remove any software the scammer used to install for remote access, or ask the help of someone you know or trust who can help
3) Change your passwords if the above has happened or your account has been compromised. Always use a different strong password for each account.
4) Report the crime to Action Fraud or call them on 0300 123 2040
5) Ask for a hard copy in the post if the scammer called to put them off. [Beware what details you divulge to get a copy this way - in fact do not do so as you may be sharing them with the scammer].
Be smart - Stay safe and vigilant!
