Good Evening 

Scams are one of the questions we get asked as Police and what are the best ways to prevent such things happening. Here I will include a few tips on how to make it harder for scammers.  

Text Scam

Any text messages that you might be unsure of or have a suspicion about you can text to 7726. Phone providers offer this service where they can investigate the origin of the text and get it blocked for you if its found to be malicious. 

Bank Fraud 

If someone has called you saying that they are your bank and ask your card details so that money can be transferred. Stop..banks will never call you asking for money. Put the phone down and redial 159. This acts in the same way as 101 for the Police or 111 for NHS and will take you directly to your bank.

E-Mail Scams

If you suspect that an e-mail looks suspicious or just unsure about it. Don't open it up or click on any link send it to the following report@phishing.gov.uk. This is a suspicious email reporting service. 

Rogue Traders

People who call at your door pretending to be qualified tradespeople and offering to do work on your home.  They may suggest urgent repairs need carrying out at your home. They may pressurise you to make quick decisions to have work done, pay in advance for materials or do poor work at highly inflated prices. The Isle of Wight Trader Approval Scheme gives a list of traders who have a commitment to trading fairly.  You can also look at https://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

I hope a few of these tips help.