For the latest scams in Leicestershire see the dedicated Scams page.

A scam is a scheme designed to con you out of your cash.

There’s a scam out there for everyone. If you let down your guard and think that you won’t be fooled, then you too could become a victim.

Scams may come as telephone calls, letters, emails and text messages. The golden rule is that if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

These promotions are a dishonest attempt to make you part with your money. Be very suspicious of unsolicited offers etc that ask you to respond at once. Expensive 090... premium rate phone calls are often used by swindlers to carry out scams, so be wary of them.

To reduce the chance of being swindled make sure that you know who it is you are dealing with and be certain to protect your personal information. Only share credit card details with a company that you know and trust. Read all the small print and never pay for a “free” gift. Seek professional advice from an accountant or solicitor if necessary, particularly if large sums of money are involved.

There are ways to avoid receiving unwanted phone calls from businesses by registering with the Telephone Preference Service making it unlawful for a business to make an unsolicited telephone call, the registration number is 0845 070 0707.  You can also register with the Mail Preference Service as well. The registration number is 0845 703 4599.

Remember you can get advice about your rights and report any problems to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Alternatively you can report a rogue trader anonymously by using the Rip Off Tip Off website.

At a recent press conference, where scams were dressed up as Christmas presents, Keith Regan, Head of Consumer Services at Leicestershire Trading Standards, gave ten top tips to help people to avoid the scammers, not just around Christmas, but all through the year :-

1. Be suspicious of unsolicited letters, phone calls or emails asking you to send money  – check out the sender and ask the opinion of family, friends or neighbours

2. If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is – trust your gut instincts

3. Always think twice – ask yourself ‘can I afford to give this money away?’

4. Never send money to anyone who says you have won the lottery or a big prize – you will never see your promised winnings

5. Don't be rushed into sending off money by time sensitive deadlines  

6. Never ring an 090 number unless you're certain how much the call will cost and what you are likely to receive

7. Never disclose your bank account, credit card or personal details to people you don't know

8. Don’t send money off just because a letter seems official. Scammers often use this trick. If you haven’t heard of them check them out before taking any action.   

9. Scammers often use fake testimonials to support their claims but don’t let them fool you – make your own mind up.  

10. Don’t suffer scams in silence, get help! Contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 for advice or visit the website at    www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is the central opt out register on which you can record your preference not to receive unsolicited sales and marketing telephone calls to your home or mobile telephone numbers. It is a legal requirement that all organisations (including charities, voluntary organisations and political parties) do not make such calls to numbers registered on the TPS unless they have your consent to do so.

Telephone Preference Service Registration line - 0845 070 0707

The Mailing Preference Service (MPS) is a free service set up 20 years ago and funded by the direct mail industry to enable consumers to have their names and home addresses in the UK removed from or added to lists used by the industry. It is actively supported by the Royal Mail and all directly involved trade associations and fully supported by The Information Commissioners Office.

Mail Preference Service Registration line - 0845 703 4599

In every trading area there are people who want to cheat us out of our money.  If you know anyone trading illegally, tip us off, anonymously and confidentially, via the Rip Off Tip Off website.

Every day, people throughout the UK are falling victim to scams of one kind or another. It could be an unexpected prize draw or lottery win, or a chance to invest in an exciting new money-making or investment programme. But remember - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

For more information please see the Consumer Direct - Scams page

For the latest scams in Leicestershire see the dedicated Scams page.