We Can All Fall Victim to Scams!

Stevie Corbin-Clarke
7th July 2021

Scams are a serious problem that affect millions of people every year. They can cause financial losses, emotional distress, and even health problems. In this blog post, we will explain what scams are, how they work, and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from them.

What are Scams and How Do They Work?

A scam is a dishonest scheme that tries to trick you into giving away your money or personal information. Scammers use various methods to contact you, such as emails, phone calls, letters, or social media posts. They may pretend to be someone you trust, such as a friend, a charity, a government agency, or a company. They may offer you something that sounds too good to be true, such as a prize, a loan, an investment, or a free trial. They may also threaten you with something bad if you don’t comply, such as legal action, fines, or arrest.

Scammers are not interested in your money alone. They also want to collect as much personal information about you as possible, such as your name, address, date of birth, email address, phone number, bank details, credit card details, shopping preferences, and even your personality traits. They use this information to build a profile of you that they can sell to other scammers or use to target you with more scams. They may also use this information to access your online accounts, steal your identity, or commit fraud in your name.

One way that scammers collect your personal information is by creating “suckers lists”. These are lists of people who have responded to scams in the past and are likely to respond again. The National Trading Standards Scams Team has identified 560,000 names on suckers lists that have been seized by them (CTSI, 2016). If you are on a suckers list, you may receive more scam calls, letters, or emails than usual.

How to Spot and Avoid Scams

Anyone can fall victim to scams. Scammers are very clever and know how to manipulate your emotions and exploit your vulnerabilities. However, there are some signs that can help you spot and avoid scams. Here are some tips:

  • Be wary of unsolicited contact. If someone contacts you out of the blue and asks for your personal or financial information, it is probably a scam. Don’t reply to emails or texts from unknown senders. Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. Don’t click on links or open attachments in suspicious messages.
  • Be sceptical of offers that sound too good to be true. If someone offers you something that seems too good to be true, such as a large sum of money, a free gift, or a guaranteed return on an investment, it is probably a scam. Don’t be tempted by promises of easy money or quick solutions. Don’t pay any fees or taxes upfront to claim a prize or a reward.
  • Be careful of threats and pressure tactics. If someone tries to scare you into doing something by threatening you with something bad, such as legal action, fines, or arrest, it is probably a scam. Don’t panic or act impulsively. Don’t give in to demands for immediate payment or action. Hang up the phone or delete the message.
  • Do your research before giving away your information or money. If someone claims to be from a legitimate organization or company, verify their identity by contacting the organization or company directly using their official website or phone number. Don’t use the contact details provided by the caller or sender. Check online reviews and ratings of the organization or company. Look for signs of legitimacy, such as logos, addresses, and registration numbers.
  • Protect your personal and financial information at all times. Don’t share your personal or financial information with anyone you don’t know or trust. Don’t use public Wi-Fi networks or devices to access your online accounts or make online transactions. Use strong passwords and change them regularly. Use antivirus software and update it regularly. Check your bank statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity.

How to Report and Recover from Scams

If you think you have been scammed or attempted to be scammed, don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed. It is not your fault and you are not alone. There are steps you can take to report and recover from scams:

  • Report the scam to the relevant authorities as soon as possible. You can report scams to Action Fraud (https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/), the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can also report scams to Citizens Advice (https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/reporting-a-scam/), who can provide you with advice and support.
  • Contact your bank or credit card provider immediately if you have given away your financial information or made any payments to scammers. They may be able to stop or reverse the transaction, cancel your card, or freeze your account. They may also be able to help you recover your money or prevent further losses.
  • Change your passwords and security questions for your online accounts if you have given away your login details or access codes to scammers. You may also want to set up two-factor authentication or use a password manager to enhance your online security.
  • Seek emotional support if you are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed as a result of being scammed. You can talk to someone you trust, such as a friend, a family member, or a counsellor. You can also contact Victim Support (https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/), a charity that provides free and confidential support to victims of crime and trauma.

How to Help Others Avoid Scams

Scams can affect anyone, but some people may be more vulnerable or at risk than others. For example, older people, lonely people, isolated people, or people with cognitive impairments may be more likely to respond to scams. You can help others avoid scams by:

  • Raising awareness and sharing information about scams. You can talk to your friends, family members, neighbours, and colleagues about scams and how to spot and avoid them. You can also share reliable sources of information and advice, such as this blog post, the Citizens Advice website (https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/campaigns/current_campaigns/scams-awareness-month/scams-awareness-month/), or the National Trading Standards Scams Team website (https://www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/).
  • Offering practical support and assistance. You can help others protect their personal and financial information by helping them set up online security measures, such as antivirus software, strong passwords, and two-factor authentication. You can also help them check their bank statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity. You can also help them register with the Telephone Preference Service (https://www.tpsonline.org.uk/) or the Mailing Preference Service (https://www.mpsonline.org.uk/) to reduce unwanted calls or mail.
  • Providing emotional support and encouragement. You can help others cope with the emotional impact of being scammed by listening to them, empathizing with them, and reassuring them. You can also help them regain their confidence and trust by reminding them of their strengths and achievements. You can also help them seek professional help if they need it.

Conclusion

Scams are a serious problem that affect millions of people every year. They can cause financial losses, emotional distress, and even health problems. However, there are ways to spot and avoid scams, as well as report and recover from them. It is important for all of us to be aware of scams and how to protect ourselves and our loved ones from them.

July is National Scams Awareness Month and you can join in with the conversation on Twitter using the #scamaware hashtag. You can also visit our financial scamming pages and download our information booklet for more tips and advice.

References:

  • Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) (2016) Stand Against Scams [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.tradingstandards.uk/policy/standagainstscams.cfm [Accessed 29/06/16]
  • Donaldson, R. (2003) Experiences of Older Burglary Victims [ONLINE] Available at: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110220105210/rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs2/r198.pdf [Accessed: 20/01/16]
  • National Trading Standards Board (2015) Doorstep Crime Project Report 2014/2015, National Trading Standards Board, North Yorkshire
Meet the author(s)

Stevie Corbin-Clarke

Research Assistant
Stevie Corbin-Clarke is a research assistant in the Department of Social Work and Social Sciences at Bournemouth University. She graduated with a degree in Primary Education (BA Hons) from the University of Chichester in 2017 and joined BU shortly after. She works across multiple research centres, including the NCCDSW and The Centre for Seldom Heard Voices and Marginalized Communities. She has a passion for qualitative research methods and engaging with vulnerable groups and sensitive issues.
View full profile
NCCDSW © 2025. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy
Website Design Dorset - Good Design Works
Skip to content