Summer campaign to fight cost of living fraud
Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (CAEE) is taking part in Scams Awareness Fortnight 2022, a national campaign to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of economic fraud.
CAEE advisers are helping an increasing number of local people who have been targeted as the cost-of-living crisis takes hold. Scams include ID theft, unpaid tax claim, online sale and delivery and stolen tenancy deposit.
Lisa Davis, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell, said:
“We know scammers prey on our worries and fears. Sadly the cost-of-living crisis is no exception.
“We’re asking everyone to help spread the message that scams are crimes that can happen to anyone. Fraudsters always find ways of exploiting difficult times and the cost of living crisis is making many more people vulnerable.
“Anyone can be targeted by a scam, and as the purse strings are tightened and financial pressures pile on, it’s important we work together to protect ourselves and each other.”
Our 5 Top Tips for spotting scams
To stop more people from falling victim to these types of scams, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell is sharing five top tips to help you guard against a potential scam:
- It seems too good to be true – for example, scammers pretending to be energy companies to lure people into “too good to be true” deals
- You suspect you’re not dealing with a real company or a genuine person – take a moment to step back and double-check
- You’ve been pressured to transfer money quickly
- You’ve been asked to pay in an unusual way – like by an iTunes vouchers or a transfer service
- You’ve been asked to give away personal information such as passwords, PINs or other verification codes.
If you’ve been scammed, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell advises:
- Talk to your bank or card company immediately if you’ve handed over any financial and sensitive information or made a payment
- Report the scam to Citizens Advice. Offline scams, like those using the telephone, post and coming to your door, can be reported to the Citizens Advice website or by calling 0808 223 1133. Report online scams to the dedicated Scams Action service either online or on 0808 250 5050
- Text scams can be reported to your mobile phone provider by forwarding it to 7726
- Also report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
For information on help with the cost of living and how to get it:
If you’re struggling with living costs and
Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills.
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Media Enquiries: please contact Louise Curd, Publicity and Fundraising Manager, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell, fundraising@caee.org.uk 01372 300778
Press Release with notes for editors.