Types of Fraud

Every year many people are conned into parting with their money by well-organised tricksters. Both consumers and businesses are targeted.

• Doorstep: People call at your door telling you that a roof tile is loose, your driveway needs repairing, they can cut trees down cheaply, try to sell you a mattress or some fish etc. Find out more about doorstep callers.
• Telephone: Phone calls telling you that you need to pay an urgent bill and requesting your bank details, companies offering services to reduce you unwanted phone calls.
• Online: 'Copycat' websites selling services that are either free or cheaper via the official Government route.
• Post: Letters informing you that you have won a prize, psychics telling you they can predict harm is coming your way and for a fee they can protect you, catalogues promises you a prize if you place another order quickly.

How to Spot a Scam

• Was the offer unsolicited?
• Does it look too good to be true?
• Do I have to send money upfront?
• Do I have to respond 'at once'?
• Do I have to purchase to win a prize?
• Do I have to ring a premium rate phone number?
• Do I have to give my bank or credit card details?
• Do I have to send the money to a PO Box number?
• Do I have to send money by bank transfer?
• Am I asked to keep it confidential?

If the answer to any of these questions is 'yes', then you may be the target of a scam.

Before you part with any money or send any personal details, take advice from Citizens Advice Consumer Service.  The chances are that you will never see it again once you have sent the money.

Citizens Advice Consumer Service

• • Check if something might be a scam
  • Check if you can get your money back after a scam
  • What to do if you've been scammed
  • Report a scam
  • Get emotional support if you’ve been scammed
  • Get help with scams

Information from Gov.uk

• Fraud, tricks and scams: guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• Avoid and report internet scams and phishing - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) - 

Other Helpful Links

• Action Fraud
• Business fraud | Nottinghamshire Police
• Advice about fraud | Nottinghamshire Police
• Financial Conduct Authority website - They regulate financial services firms and financial markets in the UK
• Telephone Preference Service to stop telephone sales calls
• Mailing Preference Service - to cut down on junk mail.
• Royal Mail -  What is scam mail and how you can report it to us
• Business Scams - Nottingham City Council - Lists and info on common scams used within all sectors
• Money Matters | Age UK - Scams and fraud for Pensions, investments, online, postal and doorstep and phone
• Neighbourhood Watch Network (ourwatch.org.uk)  - Scams and fraud 
• Cyber Crime Centre NCSC.GOV.UK - Information for individuals, families, organisations, self employs, traders and business
• Friends Against Scams - National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team initiative protecting and preventing people from becoming victims of scams
• Take Five - To Stop Fraud | To Stop Fraud take five

(please note that the TPS does not stop unwanted text messages)

Nottingham City Council Trading Standards collects, holds and processes a considerable amount of information, including personal information about the citizens we serve, to allow us to provide services effectively.

• For more information, read the Trading Standards Privacy notice. 

If you have been visited by one of our officers concerning a scam or fraud, please see the National Scams Team’s privacy notice.