Scams - avoid or report them

Scams are schemes intended to con you out of money. They usually come by post, phone or email.  Fake lotteries and prize draws, bogus psychic predictions, get rich quick investments and miracle health cures are just some of the many tricks that scammers and fraudsters try. The increased use of email and the internet has also created new opportunities for conmen and fraudsters.  

How to avoid scams and identity theft

You can help to stop scammers by telling your friends and family and by making us aware of any scams that you have encountered. Advice on protecting yourself from scams, common types of scam and what to do if you think you are a victim is available from the following organisations:

• Citizens Advice Bureau
  Citizens Advice Bureau provides a range of free information on detecting and avoiding scams and rip-offs, including information about the latest scams.
• Money Helper
  The Financial Services Authority's (FSA) Money Helper website provides information about current financial scams and what to look out for.
• Take Five
  Take Five is a body that works with the police, retailers and organisations, such as Crimestoppers, to help fight plastic card fraud. Their website has information about scams targeting card users.
• Get Safe Online 
  Free expert advice on how to avoid fraudsters when shopping / banking online, stopping identity theft and blocking unwanted spam email.

If you've been scammed, ripped off or conned, there is something you can do about it.

Action Fraud is the UK's national fraud and internet crime reporting centre.  Call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or report online on their website.

Reporting a scam

Contact our Trading Standards Service by using our eform, or alternatively on 01352 703189.

Unsolicited mail or telephone calls

You can make it more difficult for fraudsters to reach your family in the first place by reducing the number of offers you get;

Unsolicited mail:
Contact the Mailing Preference Service, Freepost 22, London. W1E 7EZ.  
Or visit the MPS website to register online.

Unsolicited telephone calls:
Contact the Telephone Preference Service, 70 Margaret Street, London. SW1Y 4EE. 0845 070 0707.
Or visit the TPS website to register online.

Contact us

Consumer Advice Telephone: 03454 040506

Trading Standards Telephone: 01352 703181

Email: trading.standards@flintshire.gov.uk

Postal and Visit Address:

Flintshire County Council Trading Standards Service,
Ty Dewi Sant,
St David's Park,
Ewloe,
Flintshire
CH5 3FF

Our office hours are 8.30 to 17:00 Monday to Friday.