A recent survey shows that 64% of respondents in the South East have been approached by a scammer in the last two years finds Citizens Advice Maidenhead and Windsor. Worryingly, of those targeted, only 46% of people spoke to anyone about it. 

More than half of all scams reported to the Citizens Advice consumer service in the last year used well-established, offline methods, including unsolicited doorstep selling, mail and cold calling. 

Fraudsters are known to overwhelmingly target older, more vulnerable people, though all of us can be targeted. People can sometimes feel foolish or embarrassed reporting their experiences of being scammed, but sadly this means perpetrators are getting away scot-free. 

Tips to avoid being scammed: 

• Report the scam to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service online or by phone on 03454 04 05 06. They will give you advice on what to do next and report the scam to Trading Standards. 
• Report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. 
• Be suspicious if you’re contacted out of the blue, even if it’s from a name you recognise. 
• If it sounds too good to be true it probably is. 

• Never send money to someone you’ve never met. 
• Never give out bank details to unsolicited callers, and be sure you can trust the person contacting you. 
• Don’t be rushed – don’t make a decision straight away and if you feel pressured say “no”. 
• Suspect a scam? Hang up, wait five minutes to clear the line or use another phone to call. 
• Don’t suffer in silence – speak out about scams. 

If you need advice and live or work in RBWM contact us by dropping in to 4 Marlow Road, Maidenhead weekdays 10 – 3.30pm, except Thursdays, or call 03444 111 444  9 – 5pm weekdays.