Scams come in many forms; unwanted contact can be received by email, letter, and telephone or in person making false promises to con victims out of money. There are numerous scams but the most common are fake lotteries, deceptive prize draws or sweepstakes, clairvoyants, computer scams, and romance scams.

The perpetrators attempt to trick people with flashy, official looking documents or websites, or convincing telephone sales patter, with the aim of persuading them to send a small fee to cover administration costs, pay postal or insurance costs or make a premium rate phone call.

Doorstep Scams are crimes carried out by bogus callers, rogue traders and unscrupulous sales people who call, often uninvited, at people's home under the guise of legitimate business or trade.

If you think you may have fallen victim to a Scam –

Call Citizens Advice Consumer Service - 0345 404 0506

If you require information about protection from unwanted telephone calls -

Consumer Protection Consumer.Protection@reading.gov.uk

Approved Call Blocker Technology:

https://www.cprcallblocker.com/

https://www.truecall.co.uk/

More information about scams, how to spot them and how to protect yourself or family/friends – please visit:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/scams/

Resources:

Little Book of Big Scams - online publication produced by West Midlands Police - giving information and raising awareness about common scams and how to protect ourselves online.