Monday, March 9 saw the launch of #TakeFiveWeek – a national campaign encouraging you to stop and allow yourself sufficient time to prevent getting into a situation where you’ve been defrauded.
Criminals use a wide range of methods to commit frauds and scams, and Take Five say it’s really important to follow these three steps when deciding whether it’s safe to part with your money or personal information.
STOP – Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
CHALLENGE – Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
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PROTECT – Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.
DON’T GET SCAMMED BY FRAUDSTERS! SIGN UP FOR TIPS AND ALERTS ON SCAMS IN YOUR AREA
Take Five have put together a short quiz titled ‘Are You Scam Savvy?’ Have a go and see how you get on.
It’s the launch of #TakeFiveWeek 2020. Check back this week for tips and advice to help you say no to fraud & scams. Take our #TakeFive quiz and check if you’re scam-savvy: https://t.co/u0fWRwp8fO pic.twitter.com/0lBXmKs6ag
— Take Five (@TakeFive) March 9, 2020
Wrexham Trading Standards advice
When we’re in our own homes, we have a sense of security that criminals may choose to prey upon. These criminals can operate at the end of a telephone call, by way of letter through the post, an email to your computer, a text to your phone, a leaflet through your letterbox, or by a knock at the door.
Every time someone wants your card details, or for you to sign up to something you don’t want/need; stop and take five. Never agree to anything in your own home without taking time out to consider it first, or speak to a family member or friend. It’s very cliché, but use the ‘trust no-one’ approach and question everything.
By remembering that we didn’t ask for the phone call, or the knock on the door, and then politely declining; we’ve dealt with it. We’ve stopped the criminal in their tracks. We’ve protected ourselves in our home. We’ve kept our money safe.
Remember, legitimate businesses and trusted local traders often don’t cold call and they won’t ask for cash up front.
For more advice, or to report a concern, you can contact Wrexham Trading Standards via tradstand@wrexham.gov.uk
Wrexham Trading Standards work in partnership with North Wales Police to ensure you’re kept safe.
If you want to report something you think is suspicious, you can also contact either Citizens Advice Consumer Services on 03454 040506 or North Wales Police on 101.
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