What is Fraud?

Fraud is the false representation of facts, intentionally deceiving the victim. The perpetrator gains from the action, and the victim is taken advantage of and denied their rights.

Examples of fraud include:

• Cyber/internet fraud
• Financial fraud
• Business fraud
• Insurance fraud
• Pensions fraud
• Charity fraud
• Customer fraud

What is a Scam?

A scam is a dishonest or fraudulent scheme, attempting to take money or personal details.

Examples of the most common scams include:

• Smishing (texts) and vishing (phone calls)
• Advance fee fraud
• Lottery, sweepstakes, competition scams
• Dating and romance scams
• Online shopping and auction scams
• Doorstop scams

Take 5 simple steps to prevent being a victim of a scam:

1. Never disclose security details.
2. Do not assume everyone is genuine.
3. Do not be rushed into making decisions.
4. Listen to your instincts – is the information you are being given too good to be true?
5. Stay in control.

How do I report?

Action Fraud: Report fraud and scams online at Action Fraud or call on 0300 123 2040. Action Fraud passes relevant information to police to investigate.

Citizens Advice: Report fraud and scams online at Report a scam - Citizens Advice. This is sent to Trading Standards to investigate.

Text: Forward texts to 7726.This sends the text to Ofcom and National Cyber Agencies to investigate.

Email: Forward fraudulent and suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. This sends the email to the National Cyber Agencies to investigate.

Post: Report scam mail to Royal Mail online at Reporting Scam Mail | Royal Mail Group Ltd or email reportascam@royalmail.com.

Where can I get support?

If you have been a victim of a fraud or scam, you are not alone, and there is support available.

You can get support from:

Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk/contact-us

Victim Support at www.victimsupport.org.uk/more-us/contact-us/ or call their 24/7 free service on 08 08 16 89 111.

The Silver Line at The Silver Line Helpline or call 0800 4 70 80 90 for free, confidential telephone service for older people.

Find out more

For more information, visit www.actionfraud.police.uk

To keep up to date with frauds and scams to be aware of in Suffolk, visit www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/suffolk-trading-standards/scams

Get Safe Online partners with various UK organisation and Government departments and is a good place to go to check if a website is legitimate, find out more: https://www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite/