It’s Scams Awareness Month, and Citizens Advice, Trading Standards, and the Consumer Council have got together to help combat the increasing number of scams.
But they say the public also has a key role, by acting as “communicators, sharers, messengers, reminders, and companions.”
The charities say as a ‘Communicator’ you can, “…ask your friends, family and contacts to share a story about a recent unwanted call, they have received, an unwanted email, text or letter with you or their friends.”
As a ‘Sharer’ you can, “…share the factoid that 45% of people think that hearing someone’s voice makes it easier to judge their honesty. Remember, they are still strangers!”
As a ‘Messenger’ you can, “…check your consent box – to tick or not to tick the box allowing your personal information to be captured by legitimate companies and then shared or sold to affiliated/third parties simply because a consent tick box had been missed.”
As a ‘Reminder’ you can, “…remind everyone that they shouldn’t be rushed – genuine organisations won’t mind waiting.”
And as a ‘Companion’ you can, “…let others know to listen to and trust their instincts – if it doesn’t feel right walk away.”
Citizens Advice Chief Executive, Malcolm Ferey says: “Being scammed can ruin people’s finances. During Scams Awareness Month we’re encouraging people to play their part in preventing scams by reporting them and telling others about them.”