THE LITTLE BOOK OF BIG SCAMS - METROPOLITAN POLICE, UNITED KINGDOM
United Kingdom. UK.
Program Description
"As you will read in this excellent booklet, the current types of frauds people are experiencing today can range from the more recognisable face-to-face fraud to those carried out by someone anonymously online. The advances in technology enabling most of us to more easily carry out day to day tasks are frequently exploited by those fraudsters who wish to steal our valuable information or money
"
-Gloria Hunniford
"Insurance fraud is on the increase and can leave you significantly out of pocket. According to the Insurance Fraud Bureau fraudulent claims cost £1.2 million a year, adding, on average, £50 to the annual costs individual policyholders face… Scammers also operate through websites or advertisements offering cheap insurance. This is known as 'Ghost broking'."
–The Little Book of Big Scams. Metropolitan Police.
United Kingdom (UK)
The Little Book of Big Scams provides quick tips on how to prevent scams and fraud by following a formula of:
- Remember
- Caution
- Think
- Investigate
The Little Book of Big Scams provides valuable information for the elderly and others on the following:
- Door-to-door scams - if anyone comes to the door ask for identification you do not have to let them in and they must leave if you ask them to.
- Investment Scams - scammers often call a number of times slowly developing a friendly relationship. If elderly respond in anyway they will persist, build trust and eventually persuade them to part with their money.
- Insurance Scams - several fraudulent insurance companies and claims to trick the elderly such as ghost broking.
- Identity Fraud – do not personal information out unless absolutely necessary and only when trust talking to a trusted person and shred all personal documents when no longer needed.
- Mobile Phone Scams –how to use antivirus software so personal information on a cell phone is protected. Be aware of text scams claiming that you have won a prize and do not send any money or pay fees to claim prizes or lottery winnings.
- Dating and Romance Scams – online scammers gain trust quickly and victims of abuse hand money over.
- Health and Medical Scams – offers for cheap medicines, medical products or miracle cures.
- Internet Scams – do not open unknown attachments and learn how to install a firewall on your computer.
For anyone looking for information on the latest or top scams and fraud alerts in the UK, tips for how to deal with fraud, or how victims can report scams can get help from the Metropolitan Police Action Fraud Division, the UK’s national fraud and internet crime reporting center.
As added protection The Little Book of Big Scams suggests that those concerned with protecting themselves from fraud or scams have their names and home addresses removed from mailing lists through the Mailing Preference Service (MPS) and opt out of unsolicited sales or marketing phone calls through the Telephone Preference Service. (TPS)
source: The Little Book of Big Scams
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