Bogus computer viruses the most common reported scam in Redhill.
Citizens Advice Reigate and Banstead is asking Redhill residents to be on their guard against scams after the area was revealed as one of the top scam hotspots in England and Wales.
Analysis of 5,000 scams reported to national Citizens Advice in January to March show the areas where people are most likely to report scams – and the methods the scammers use.
Redhill reported 71 cases, 4th highest of 102 postal areas in England and Wales.
Scams included up-front payments, where people were asked to pay for a service which never materialised. And fake services, such as telling people their computer had a virus which could be fixed remotely – there were 10 of this reported in Redhill, making it the most common single scam.
July is Scams Awareness Month.* Citizens Advice Reigate and Banstead has been informing residents how to spot a scam and what to do if they’ve been targeted. People are being urged to follow a 3-step rule: get advice, report the scam, tell others about it.
Elaine Parr Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Reigate and Banstead, said:
“Getting scammed can cost you dearly. Fraudsters have plenty of tricks up their sleeves so Redhill residents can’t be too vigilant. Scams Awareness Month aims to give people the confidence to spot scams more easily and speak up to stop others being caught out.
“Residents who would like a second opinion about an offer they’ve received should contact us on 03444 111 444 or Citizens Advice consumer service. If anyone suspects they’ve been a victim of a scam, they should go straight to Action Fraud.”
Citizens Advice Reigate and Banstead’s top five tips for spotting scams are:
Anyone worried about a scam can contact Citizens Advice Reigate and Banstead on 03444 111 444 or email via www.carbs.org.uk, call the consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or visit citizensadvice.org.uk.
Notes
Citizens Advice divided scams reported to the consumer helpline into 102 main postal areas in England and Wales. The reported scams were compared to the population in the same areas as per the ONS 2011 Census.
The top three scam types in the local area were:
* Scams Awareness Month is run by the Consumer Empowerment Partnership. Formed in April 2012, the CPP brings together key partners within the consumer landscape to better identify, prioritise and coordinate collective action to tackle detriment more effectively than they could through working in isolation.
****