Bromley trading standards is supporting Action Fraud in highlighting cost of living scams and warning residents that criminals are continuing to try to defraud you.
Such scams are designed to make people believe they will be saving money, when in fact they often end up losing money.
Examples of the scams often received via phone call, email, text message, or on social media are:
- Energy bill rebates: UK households do not need to apply for the Energy Bill Support Scheme – it's automatic
- Cost of living payments: if you are eligible, you do not need to apply – payment is automatic from the Department of Work and Pensions
- Special offers: fuel vouchers, phone bill discounts, and supermarket offers – questions asked to harvest personal information
- Celebrity endorsements: a celebrity appears to be promoting an opportunity
- Fake investment opportunities: high returns with apparently little or no risk
Report and assistance
Protect yourself and others by reporting incidents.
If you have given your bank details, contact your bank as soon as possible. Call 159. 159 — Stop Scams UK.
Report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk if you’ve lost money.
Report suspicious emails by forwarding to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Report suspicious text messages by forwarding to 7726.
Report a scam website – NCSC.GOV.UK.
Contact Citizens Advice for help and advice on 0808 223 1133.
Bromley trading standards
To keep up with the latest scam alerts and warnings from Bromley trading standards sign up on www.bromley.gov.uk/TradingStandardsAlertSignUpForm.
Bromley trading standards also runs a fair-trader directory to help you find a safe, reliable trader that you can trust, visit www.bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked to learn more.