What is Friends Against Scams?
Friends Against Scams was developed to protect people from becoming victims of scams.
By providing awareness sessions, it aims to empower communities to take a stand against scams in their area.
Awareness sessions tell participants about scams, how best to spot them and how to support a victim.
The scheme aims to enable the public to protect themselves and others.
Awareness Sessions
Awareness sessions are run by SCAMchampions, who are trained and supported by the National Trading Standards Scams Team.
Each 45 minute, interactive session is a chance to meet other people, who want to learn more about scams.
Participants are asked to tell other people in their community about what they have learnt in order to spread awareness about scams.
Sessions, delivered by volunteers from Victim Care and Advice Service (VCAS,) which is a service commissioned by the Police and Crime Commissioner.
To book a place, please email info@vcas.uk
If you are elderly or housebound and are interested in becoming a Friend Against Scams, we can arrange for VCAS volunteers to visit your home.
The Four Most Common Scams
Telephone scams
Scammers who operate by phone offer exaggerated – or even fake – prizes, products or services, such as loans, charitable causes or free trial offers.
They don’t want to give you any time to consider their pitch and may be talking quickly. They just want to you to say “Yes.”
How to protect yourself:
- The law says telemarketers must tell you what they’re calling for – and if they don’t give you this information, hang up!
- Do not make a decision immediately.
- Keep your banking details to yourself – even if the caller asks you to ‘confirm’ them.
Door-to-door scams
Door-to-door scams usually involve selling poor quality goods or services– or taking payment for goods and services, which never turn up.
Some scammers conduct surveys to get personal details or may offer goods or services, which you don’t need – for example, unnecessary roofing work or a replacement patio.
How to protect yourself:
- If someone knocks at your door, always ask for identification (ID.) If you are not satisfied with their ID, do not let them into your home.
- Don’t immediately agree to an offer. Take time to find out about the business or charity before taking further action.
- If you don’t want uninvited callers, you can contact us for a ‘No Cold Callers’ sticker.
Online scams
Watch out for ‘phishing’ – emails from scammers pretending to be from a legitimate company requiring personal details. Websites, advertisements and emails can look very sophisticated.
How to protect yourself:
- Delete any emails from unknown senders, especially those with an attachment, as it may be a virus.
- Avoid sellers on online market places asking for unusual methods of payment.
- Never give financial or personal details to anyone unless you know and trust them.
Mail scams
Many mass mailing scams trick you into parting with money or providing personal details in the belief you will win a cash prize.
It only takes a single response for a person to be added to a Sucker’s List and inundated with more scam mail.
How to protect yourself:
- Genuine lotteries will not ask you to pay a fee to collect your winnings.
- Never send money abroad or to someone you don’t know or trust.
- Examine all terms and conditions carefully.
Further Details
If you have been the victim of a scam, the following helplines may be useful:
- Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040
- The Silver Line: 0800 470 8090 (helpline for older people)
You can find more details on the Friends Against Scams website.