🛡️ Personal Fraud and How to Prevent It

Fraud is when someone deceives you to gain money, personal information, or another advantage. Scammers may contact you by 📧 email, 📱 text message, ☎️ phone call, social media, or even 🚪 in person.

Some adults can be particularly vulnerable to fraud and financial abuse. If you are concerned about someone, contact your local Adult Social Care team for advice and support.

For more information, support, and to report fraud, visit UK's Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud - Report Fraud , the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre.

🔟 Ten Golden Rules to Protect Yourself from Fraud

✅ Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.
There are no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes.

✅ Never rush into a decision.
Take time to seek independent or legal advice before committing.

✅ Check identities and credentials.
Always verify a person or company's legitimacy before handing over money or signing anything.

✅ Only send money to people and organisations you trust.
Never transfer funds to someone you do not know.

✅ Protect your personal and banking information.
Your details are valuable, so keep them secure.

✅ Visit websites directly.
🌐 Type web addresses into your browser rather than clicking links in emails or messages.

✅ Don't rely solely on reviews or testimonials.
Look for independent evidence and trustworthy sources.

✅ Seek independent advice.
Especially if an offer involves money, time, or a long-term commitment.

✅ Report scams and fraud.
📣 If you suspect a scam, report it as soon as possible.

✅ Don't be embarrassed.
Fraudsters are highly skilled at deceiving people. Reporting fraud helps protect others from becoming victims.

🚨 How to Report Fraud

If you believe you have been targeted by a scam or become a victim of fraud, contact Report Fraud:

📞 0300 123 2040

🌐 Report online: UK's Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud - Report Fraud

👮 Call 101 if:

🚨 Always call 999 in an emergency or if there is an immediate risk to life.

🧩 Why Reporting Matters

Every report helps build a bigger picture. What may seem like a minor incident could provide vital information that helps identify offenders, uncover wider crime patterns, and prevent others from becoming victims.

Remember: if you've been targeted by a scam, there may be hundreds or even thousands of others affected in the same way.

🛑 Stop. Think. Check.

Before responding to any unexpected request for money or personal information:

Taking a few minutes to verify could save you from becoming a victim of fraud