Phone and mail scams are most dangerous

Older people fall victim most often to phone and mail scams.

Citizens Advice says everyone, including older people, should

BE SUSPICIOUS:

• if something comes out of the blue or from someone you don’t know
• sounds out of the ordinary – like you’ve won the lottery, or you’ve been invited to invest in an ‘amazing’ scheme and keep it a secret
• asks you to pay for something in advance – especially by bank transfer
• asks you for personal information – like your bank details, computer passwords or PIN numbers
• pressures you into buying something or making a decision quickly – a trustworthy company will be happy to wait
• asks you to call an expensive number – those which start with 070, 084, 087, 090, 091 or 098.

If you think someone might be trying to scam you should

NEVER EVER:

• give them any personal information, like bank details, computer passwords or PIN numbers
• send them any money or buy anything
• call any numbers in emails or letters you receive.

Full information on Spotting a Scam