Did you know? How to spot the signs of a scam

Fraud can happen to anyone. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using phone calls, text messages, emails and social media to trick people into handing over money or personal information. In fact, fraud is one of the most common crimes affecting people across the UK. Spot the warning signs - be on your guard if someone:

• contacts you unexpectedly and asks for money or personal details
• pressures you to act quickly, creates a sense of urgency, or asks to keep it secret
• claims to be from your bank, the police, HMRC or another trusted organisation
• offers deals, prizes or investment opportunities that seem too good to be true

asks you to transfer money to a "safe account" - banks and the police will never do thisRemember - stop, think, check Before responding to any unexpected message, call, or email: Stop - take a moment before acting Think - could this be a scam? Check - contact the organisation directly using a trusted phone number or website If you're ever unsure, don't reply. If it's a phone call, it's okay to hang up. Many people worry this might seem rude, but protecting yourself from a potential scam is far more important. Scammers rely on polite people! If you think you've been scammed

• contact your bank immediately
• report fraud online at www.reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040 (formerly Action Fraud)
• forward suspicious text messages to 7726 (this spells SPAM on a phone keypad)
• forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk

Support for West Sussex residents

• if you or someone you know is vulnerable and has been affected by fraud, contact Sussex Police on 101
• be cautious of rogue traders and unexpected doorstep callers. West Sussex residents can seek advice through the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 and use approved traders through the 'Buy with Confidence' scheme (a national, not-for-profit approved trader program operated by local authority Trading Standards services across the UK) in an emergency, always call 999

Help protect others Fraudsters rely on catching people off guard. Talk to friends, family, neighbours and anyone who may be vulnerable about the latest scams, and encourage them to report anything suspicious. Find out more at: www.stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk West Sussex County Council provide fraud prevention advice and information on prevalent scam types, as well as free training and awareness events at: www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire-emergencies-and-crime/crime-prevention/staying-safe-online-and-fraud-prevention