What is Fraud?

Fraud is the false representation of facts, intentionally deceiving the victim. The perpetrator gains from the action, and the victim is taken advantage of and denied their rights.

Examples of fraud include:

• Cyber/internet fraud
• Financial fraud
• Business fraud
• Insurance fraud
• Pensions fraud
• Charity fraud
• Customer fraud

What is a Scam?

A scam is a dishonest or fraudulent scheme, attempting to take money or personal details.

Examples of the most common scams include:

• Smishing (texts) and vishing (phone calls)
• Advance fee fraud
• Lottery, sweepstakes, competition scams
• Dating and romance scams
• Online shopping and auction scams
• Doorstop scams

Take 5 simple steps to prevent being a victim of a scam:

1. Never disclose security details.
2. Do not assume everyone is genuine.
3. Do not be rushed into making decisions.
4. Listen to your instincts – is the information you are being given too good to be true?
5. Stay in control.

Rogue Traders

Many people who sell items on the doorstep are legitimate traders, but unfortunately some are not.

It is important to:

• Never sign or agree to anything on the spot.
• Check the trader’s identity. Always ask for an identity card and look up the organisation to check the salesperson’s identity is genuine.
• Be wary of special offers or warnings about your home.
• Always shop around for the best price and use a Trusted Trader.

If you are contacted by a doorstep traders or are aware of any operating in your residential area, report it to us by calling 0808 223 1133. Find out more here: Rogue traders - Suffolk County Council

No Cold Calling Zones

No Cold Calling Zones (NCCZs) are specific geographical areas where residents have identified that they do not want visits from unsolicited or 'cold' callers.

These zones allow residents to collectively prevent traders and salespersons from calling at their homes without a prior appointment. They're created in partnership with residents, Trading Standards, local Councillors, the police and other key local partners.

Read more about No Cold Calling Zones and how to nominate your road.

'No Cold Calling' sticker

• Are you fed up with receiving visits to your home from cold calling traders?
• Are you concerned about rogue traders calling on your elderly or vulnerable neighbours, looking for work?

If so, say "no" to cold calling doorstep traders with a Suffolk Trading Standards door sticker.

Suffolk residents can request a sticker by contacting tradingstandards@suffolk.gov.uk or Download No Cold Calling sticker (JPG).

How do I report?

Action Fraud: Report fraud and scams online at Action Fraud or call on 0300 123 2040. Action Fraud passes relevant information to police to investigate.

Citizens Advice: Report fraud and scams online at Report a scam - Citizens Advice. This is sent to Trading Standards to investigate.

Text: Forward texts to 7726.This sends the text to Ofcom and National Cyber Agencies to investigate.

Email: Forward fraudulent and suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. This sends the email to the National Cyber Agencies to investigate.

Post: Report scam mail to Royal Mail online at Reporting Scam Mail | Royal Mail Group Ltd or email reportascam@royalmail.com

Where can I get support?

If you have been a victim of a fraud or scam, you are not alone, and there is support available.

You can get support from:

Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk/contact-us

Victim Support at www.victimsupport.org.uk/more-us/contact-us/ or call their 24/7 free service on 08 08 16 89 111.

The Silver Line at The Silver Line Helpline or call 0800 4 70 80 90 for free, confidential telephone service for older people.

Find out more

For more information, visit www.actionfraud.police.uk

To keep up to date with frauds and scams to be aware of in Suffolk, visit www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/suffolk-trading-standards/scams

Get Safe Online partners with various UK organisation and Government departments and is a good place to go to check if a website is legitimate, find out more: https://www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite/