The internet is used now to do our shopping, banking and socialising; which means scammers also use the internet to try to con us out of money and personal information.
Scams online vary from prize draws, ticket sales to phishing scams and are received via emails, social networking sites, auction sites, adverts or genuine looking websites.
Our Top Tips:
- If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam!
- Don’t send money upfront because your name will go on a “suckers list” and you’ll be bombarded with more scams.
- Don’t give personal or bank details to anyone unless you’ve checked them out.
- Pass on warnings. Tell your friends and family if you discover a scam.
- Take extra care with documents and paperwork - shred anything with your personal details on it.
For further advice contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/consumer
Sign up to Norfolk County Council Trading Standards Scam Alert system at www.norfolk.gov.uk/scams