Scambusting

Emails and texts messages warning about scams circulate all the time. Many contain useful advice, but sometimes the warnings are out of date or even untrue.

Before you forward a scam warning, always check that the warning is genuine and current. False or outdated warning emails simply spread misinformation.

These three websites provide up to date advice on current scams, how to reduce your chances of becoming a scam victim, and what you should do if you are scammed.

Hoax Slayer website
Hoax-Slayer is dedicated to debunking email hoaxes, thwarting Internet scammers, combating spam, and educating web users about email and Internet security issues. Hoax-Slayer allows Internet users to check the veracity of common email hoaxes and aims to counteract criminal activity by publishing information about common types of Internet scams. Hoax-Slayer also includes anti-spam tips, computer and email security information, articles about true email forwards, and much more. New articles are added to the Hoax-Slayer website every week.

Safe From Scams website
SafefromScams is the resource you need to learn about scams of all types: from the classics that are still being run regularly, like bill-padding, cowboy builders' scams, and chain letters - to the new ones that keep appearing, such as phishing, mobile phone scams, or those fake lotteries. We tell you how the scams work, why people fall for them and how to make sure you don't.and

Action Fraud website
Action Fraud is the UK's national fraud and internet crime reporting centre. It provides a central point of contact for information about fraud and financially motivated internet crime. If you've been scammed, ripped off or conned, there is something you can do about it - get in touch with Action fraud.

Mobile phone calls
Take care when returning missed calls to your mobile phone. Some numbers are charged at very high rates, and even if you are on the phone for a few seconds you may face a hefty bill.