Scams

New scams are appearing everyday in more imaginative guises. Don't be fooled into parting with your money. This article focuses on the main types of scams about today and how best to avoid them.

A scam is a scheme designed to con you out of your cash.

There are many scams out there. Its easy to become a victim unless you understand what you're signing up to. Don't be fooled by offers that are too goof to be true!

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated and aim to con us all. Deceptive premium rate competition scams, bogus sweepstakes and lotteries, get-rich quick schemes and fake health cures are becoming the most common ways that bogus companies are using to make us part with our money.

Scams appear in many forms; by letter, email, telephone call or text message. Direct Gov has a comprehensive list of current scams that we are aware of. Always ask for advice before parting with your money for something you suspect may not be genuine.

When you receive something that you suspect may be a scam, ask yourself some basic questions:

• Does the offer look too good to be true?
• Are you asked for money up front?
• Do you have to spend money to claim a prize?
• Do you have to ring a premium rate telephone number?
• Are you asked for your banking details?
• Is the only address for the company a PO Box number?
• Did you ask for the service in the first place?

For further information, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or 01622 626520 (standard and local call rates apply).

The Office of Fair Trading has a team called Scambusters who are making it their business to investigate scams.