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Scams and frauds

Dealing with scams

 If you receive an unexpected letter, phone call, email or visit, be cautious, it could be a scam!

Scam attempts typically start with someone making contact ‘out of the blue’.

The fraudsters can be extremely convincing, their aim is to catch you ‘off guard’, to win your trust, and to take your money.

If your instincts tell you that you may be being targeted by a fraudster don’t disclose any information or take any action until you have spoken to a trusted friend or relative or obtained advice from the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

Dealing with doorstep callers

If someone you don’t know offers to do work at your property, sell you goods or buy items from you say ‘no thanks’ and shut the door.

Why should I say NO to doorstep callers offering to do work at my property?

  • They may pressurise or intimidate you to let them do work
  • You may not really need the work done
  • They may do a poor job
  • They may charge you far more than originally quoted
  • They may charge you far more than the job is worth
  • You may not get what you paid for
  • They may provide false names, addresses and telephone numbers

 

Why should I say NO to doorstep callers offering to sell me goods or buy items from me?

  • They may pressurise you to make a quick decision
  • Goods they sell may be overpriced, faulty or unsuitable for you
  • They may not offer you the true value of items they purchase from you

 

Avoid the cowboys

Always seek recommendations from friends, neighbours and family members and obtain more than one quotation before deciding who to employ to carry out work on your property.

Consider using a Trading Standards approved ‘Buy With Confidence’ trader. 

Reporting fraud and obtaining advice

If you, or someone you know, is vulnerable and has been a victim of fraud contact Sussex Police on 101

To report fraud or attempted fraud visit the Action Fraud website  or call 0300 123 2040

For consumer advice, or to report a concern to Trading Standards, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline.

Call the helpline

Citizens Advice consumer helpline: 0808 223 1133
Calls using Relay UK: 18001 0808 223 1133
(for deaf callers from a textphone or NGT Lite app downloaded onto a computer, tablet, or smartphone).

Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Lines are closed on bank holidays.

To contact a Welsh-speaking adviser: 0808 223 1144

Calls from mobiles and landlines are free.

Last updated: 29 November 2023