Understanding Different Types of Consumer Scams
Consumer scams come in various forms, aiming to deceive individuals out of money through misleading communications. From ID fraud to health scams, scammers use tactics like impersonation and manipulation to prey on victims. Doorstep crimes like rogue trading are often underreported due to fear and embarrassment. Mass marketing fraud and telephone scams are prevalent, exploiting people's trust through false promises and urgent demands for money. Recognizing common features of scams, such as deceptive language and payment requests, can help individuals protect themselves from falling victim to fraud.
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Presentation Transcript
UNDERSTANDING SCAMS
What are Consumer Scams? Misleading or Deceptive Communications that con people out of money. They can be by phone, text, mail, email, websites, adverts and doorstep. They range from sharp practice to complete fraud. Scams are about making money dishonestly, not about honest profit. Scammers are organised predatory Criminals. Scammers appear legitimate, helpful, friendly and charming. Scammers can be persuasive, persistent, threatening, aggressive, intimidating . . .
Common Types of Scams ID Fraud Courier Fraud Insurance & Investment (Boiler Room) Scams Door to Door Scams (incl: Fake Charity Collections) Dating & Romance Scams Banking & Payment (Phishing)Scams Mobile Phone, Email & Computer Scams Health & Medical Scams Fake Website (Pharming) Scams Impersonation of Officials
Rogue Trading = Doorstep Crime Door Step Crime is under reported The reasons for this are not really known but most likely include: Embarrassment about what has happened Fear of reprisal Wanting to retain independence Not knowing who to tell People affected with suffer financial loss but also suffer mental and physical decline
The Most Common Scam Type is Mass Marketing Fraud POSTAL SCAMS Catalogue & Brochure Charities Betting Lottery/Prize Draw Debt Recovering/PPI Courier Parcel Delivery Prize Holding Clairvoyant Religious/Miracle Cures
TELEPHONE SCAMS Computer/Technical Problems PPI and Pension Bank or Building Society Parcel Delivery Accident Car/Work/Holiday Protection Cover - Sky Silent Call or Missed Call HMRC Council Tax Lottery/Prize Draw
Common Features of Scams Language Used: Won the Lottery, Highly Confidential, Official Document, Guaranteed Winner, Unclaimed Prize/Award, Time Sensitive, Sworn to Secrecy, This Is Not A Scam, Don t Need Full Address, Immediate Decision Needed . . . Practices Used: Money Transfer Agents, Virtual Offices, Local Telephone Numbers, Never Ending Telephone Calls, Asking for Payment Upfront, Payments Required for Taxes or Release fees or Solicitors Fees or Processing Fees or Administration Fees etc etc . . .
Scam Victims Who are they? ANYONE There is a Scam for everyone! Scams are often customised for different ages and income groups 50% of the population will be a victim of a Scam. The youngest victim has been 19 years old, the oldest 106 years old (National Scams Team) Often the most vulnerable in society are targeted Often older residents Because . . . May be over-trusting, lonely, socially isolated, vulnerable circumstances, health issues, impulsive, sense of purpose, strong values about politeness, cognitive impairment
Suckers Lists Chronic Victims are repeatedly targeted Personal details are added to lists and sold to con artists A sucker list contains the names of people who have been, or are good candidates to be, victims of fraud People on the lists who have been victims may hear from crooks who claim they can help to recover, for a fee, money lost to a scam. This is called Recovery Room Fraud
Signs that someone is a Scam Victim Receive lots of mail everyday Frequent visits to the post office Use an unusually high number of cheque books Have a house full of cheap looking jewellery/watches, health products, exotic food or boxes of chocolates Receive frequent telephone calls from strangers that last a long time OR Speak of a helpful caller/friend who calls regularly Make large cash withdrawls Becomes secretive about discussing finances with family and friends Experience financial hardship and/or self neglect
How to stay off the suckers List Be suspicious of all Too good to be true offers and deals. Do not agree to offers or deals immediately. Insist on time to obtain independent advice before making a decision. Do not hand over money or sign anything until you have checked the credentials of the company/individual. Never send money to anyone you do not know or trust or use payment methods that you are not comfortable with. Never give banking or personal details to anyone you do not know or trust. This information is valuable. Make sure you protect it. Be suspicious, discuss post and phone calls, do not give personal information, beware of hype.
How to stay off the suckers List Always log on to a website directly. Do not click on links in emails. Always check for https: and a padlock when putting in information on a website. Do not rely solely on glowing testimonials: do your own research. Always get independent/legal advice if an offer involves money, time or commitment. If you spot a scam or have been scammed, speak to someone and get help. Do not be embarrassed to report a scam. There is no shame in being deceived because Scammers are cunning and clever. By reporting you will make it more difficult for them to deceive others. Understand that Scams are a form of fraud or financial abuse that use persuasive techniques to exploit basic human conditions and emotions.
Stopping Scams Understand that Scams are a form of fraud or financial abuse that use persuasive techniques to exploit basic human conditions of greed, fear and companionship. Involvement provides many victims with a sense of meaningful activity and purpose, often providing an outlet for emotional attachment. Have to work to change the mindset of victims and empower them. Educate individuals to be suspicious, discuss post and phone calls, not to give personal information, beware of hype.
How to help a victim Talk and spend time listening to the individual. Do not judge them. Reassure them they are not alone and should not feel embarrassed about it. Present them with different options but encourage them to make decisions. Try not to get frustrated. They may struggle to understand that they are a victim of a crime. Do not force the issue. It can take a long time for them to want to tell you about their experiences. Advise of the help them to contact their bank for help and advice.
Practical Help It can really make a difference if a few small changes are made: Change Bank Accounts Change Telephone Numbers and become ex-directory with caller ID Register with the Preference Services and Royal Mail Door to Door Re-direct Mail Contact Trading Standards about becoming a Mail Marshall
What Trading Standards Can Do Work with those affected and partner agencies to help reduce the future risk of being a repeat victim. Investigate and prosecute offenders under consumer protection legislation. Seek injunctions to prevent offenders repeating the behaviour. Visit Scam Victims identified by partners. Contact or signpost to partner agencies to access support. Install Call Blocker devices free of charge. Help home owners to implement changes to reduce risks.
Any Questions? Remember: If it sounds too good to be true it probably is! If in doubt, say NO! If you re not sure, DON T open the door! Don t be rushed and don t be hushed!
