Personal fraud and how to prevent it

❓ What is fraud?

Fraud is when someone lies to you or scams you to gain an advantage, such as stealing your money or obtaining personal information.

⚠️ Fraud can happen through:

📧 Email
📱 Text message
📞 Phone call
🚪 A visit to your home
🛒 Online marketplaces and social media

Some adults may be especially vulnerable to fraud and financial abuse. If you're concerned about someone you know, contact your local social services and ask for Adult Social Care.

💡 With a little knowledge, you can protect yourself from fraudsters too.

🔗 For more information, help and to report fraud, visit https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre.

Ten Golden Rules to Prevent Fraud

Remember these ten golden rules to help you prevent fraud and beat the scammers.

1️⃣ If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

💰 Be suspicious of all "too good to be true" offers and deals. There are no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes.

2️⃣ Don't be rushed

⏳ Never agree to offers or deals immediately. Insist on time to get independent or legal advice before making a decision.

3️⃣ Check credentials

✅ Don't hand over money or sign anything until you've checked someone's credentials and their company's legitimacy.

4️⃣ Only send money to people you trust

💷 Never send money to anyone you don't know or trust, whether in the UK or abroad.

5️⃣ Protect your personal information

🔒 Never give banking details, passwords or personal information to anyone you don't know or trust.

6️⃣ Go directly to websites

🌐 Always log on to a website directly rather than clicking on links in emails or messages.

7️⃣ Do your own research

🔎 Don't rely solely on glowing testimonials. Look for solid, independent evidence of a company's success.

8️⃣ Get independent advice

⚖️ Always seek independent or legal advice if an offer involves money, time or commitment.

9️⃣ Report scams

📢 If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help.

🔟 Don't be embarrassed

🤝 Fraudsters are cunning and persuasive. There is absolutely no shame in being deceived. By reporting scams, you'll help stop others becoming victims too.

🚨 Get Help or Report a Scam

If you think you've uncovered a scam, been targeted by a scam, or fallen victim to fraudsters:

📞 Contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040

🔗 https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

👮 Contact the Police

📞 Call 101 if:

✅ You know who the suspect is
✅ The suspect is still in the area
✅ You have information that could assist an investigation

🚨 Always call 999 in an emergency.

🧩 Every Report Matters

Reporting crime, including fraud, is important. If incidents aren't reported, authorities may never know they have happened and cannot take action against those responsible.

Even if you've lost a small amount of money or stopped a scam before it succeeded, your information could be a vital piece of a much larger investigation.

💙 Remember:

✅ Fraud can happen to anyone.
✅ Being targeted does not mean you've been careless.
✅ Reporting fraud helps protect others.
✅ Your information could be the missing piece that helps identify an offender.

#StopFraud 🛡️ | #ThinkBeforeYouClick 🖱️ | #TakeFiveToStopFraud ⏱️