A local expert from Citizen’s Advice provides timely tips on consumer issues.
Q: ‘I received an email telling me I needed to pay money in order to get a parcel delivered. I didn’t think I ordered anything and, when I checked the email address, it didn’t look legitimate.
Was it a scam?’
A: Probably.
New research from Citizens Advice reveals that 40 million people have been targeted by scams already in 2023, with parcel delivery scams being by far the most common. Citizens Advice Consumer Service received over 9,000 reports of scams between January to April 2023. Anyone can be targeted by a scam and sadly anyone can fall for one but there are steps you can take to better protect yourself and your loved ones.
Here are some top tips to spot scams:
It seems too good to be true – for example, a holiday that’s much cheaper than you’d expect.
You’ve been pressured to transfer money quickly.
You’ve been asked to pay in an unusual way – like by an iTunes voucher or a transfer service.
You’ve been asked to give away personal information such as passwords, PINs or verification codes.
You spot signs that the organisation or person you are dealing with isn’t genuine – for example, if the email address doesn’t seem quite right.
Always take a step back and double check if you have any doubts at all.
If you’ve been scammed:
Don’t ever be embarrassed. It can – and does – happen to absolutely anyone.
Talk to your bank or credit card company immediately if you’ve handed over any financial and sensitive information, or you have made a payment
Report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 204
You can also contact the Citizens Advice consumer service 0808 2233 1133 for help with what to do next.
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