Please report scams

As we have recently reported, Welshpool area residents and particularly the vulnerable are being duped out of tens of thousands of pounds by scammers.

Now Powys County Council is urging anyone that has faced a scam to expose them and help stop more people from falling prey to clever cons.

Scams Awareness Month launched today (Wednesday) and this year’s campaign will be highlighting how scams continue to flourish when people stay silent. Sadly only five per cent of people officially report them to the authorities.

Now we have teamed up with the council to help you avoid scams that are happening right now in the area and what to do if you experience one.

Top tips for avoiding scams 

• If it sounds too good to be true it probably is
• It you haven’t bought a ticket – you can’t win it
• You shouldn’t have to pay anything to get a prize
• If in doubt, don’t reply. Bin it, delete it or hang up
• Contacted out of the blue? – be suspicious
• Don’t be rushed – resist pressure to make a decision straight away
• Never send money to someone you have never met
• Walk away from job ads that ask for money in advance
• Your bank will never attend your home to collect cash, your pin, payment card or chequebook if you are a victim of fraud
• Your bank will never phone you to ask for your PIN or your online banking password
• Your bank will never ask you to transfer money to a new account for fraud reasons
• Suspect a phone scam? Hang up, wait five minutes to clear the line or use another phone to call your bank
• Genuine computer firms do not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer
• Don’t suffer in silence – speak out about scams.

What to do if you have been scammed

• Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to help stop it happening to others
• Often you can't always get your money back if you've been scammed, especially if you've handed over cash
• If you've paid for goods or services by credit card you have more protection and if you used a debit card you may be able to ask your bank for a chargeback
•    Get advice and report it to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 (for advice in Welsh phone 03454 04 05 05) or online advice at www.adviceguide.org.uk