Mail Scams Awareness week

Scams Awareness Month will begin on Monday 4 July

The theme this year is “listening to your gut feeling.” We are calling on consumers to act on their initial caution and suspicion that often comes when they get an unexpected phone call, email, mailing or knock at the door. We want them to get advice, report scams and tell others about their experience.

Please use the hashtag #scamaware

Each year millions of people in the UK fall prey to scammers. Some estimates of the total cost of mass-marketed scams are as high as £5 billion. The truth is - with reporting levels as low as 5 per cent - this cost could be far higher.

Please use the hashtag #scamaware

The theme this year is “listening to your gut feeling.” We are calling on consumers to act on their initial caution and suspicion that often comes when they get an unexpected phone call, email, mailing or knock at the door. We want them to get advice, report scams and tell others about their experience.

What to do if you think it's a scam

If you are cold called or get a text about things such as loan offers, help with debt problems or accident claims – it is almost certainly a scam.

Make sure you:

• don’t give or confirm any personal information
• report the call immediately to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at www.actionfraud.police.uk/report-a-fraud-including-online-crime
• contact your local Citizens Advice for free, confidential and impartial expert advice to help resolve your problems.