BEWARNED: 15% OF THE POPULATION IN THE NORTH WEST ARE SCAMMED

An estimated 15% of people across the North West were caught out by a scam in the past year, according to new research by Citizens Advice.

As part of its annual Scams Awareness campaign which has just begun, the Citizens Advice charity is highlighting the many ways people are being duped by scammers and is offering its top tips on how to prevent being caught out.

Nationally, more than seven million people are estimated to have been deceived by a scam in the past 12 months.

Citizens Advice research shows more than a quarter (26%) of those across the UK were duped while shopping online- with these types of scams including fake websites and counterfeit or non-existent goods.

According to Citizens Advice the top five scams people have unwittingly fallen for in the past year across the country are:

• Online shopping scam (26%): Includes fake websites and counterfeit or non-existent goods.
• Investment scam (18%): Like get rich quick schemes and cryptocurrency scams.
• Other financial scams (18%): Such as banking, fake loans, card and bank account fraud.
• A friend or family member needs help scam (16%): Tricked into thinking someone you care about needs money urgently.
• Mobile network scam (14%): Includes being scammed into taking out a new contract or paying for a new handset.

With online shopping scams stealing the top spot, the charity is urging consumers to be cautious when taking advantage of shopping deals ahead of Black Friday and Christmas. There are steps you can take to better protect yourself and your loved ones. Something might be a scam if:

• Someone you don t know contacts you unexpectedly, or you're asked to transfer money quickly.
• You're being asked to share personal or security information like passwords, PINs or codes. NEVER DO THIS! (not even your own bank will ask for this information).
• You suspect you're not dealing with a real company, for example there's no postal address.
• You've been asked to pay in an unusual way – paying by debit or credit card gives you extra protection if things go wrong.

The golden rule is: if something seems too good to be true or doesn't feel right it might be a scam, so take a moment and get advice

If you have, or suspect you have been scammed, take the following steps:

Talk to your bank or card company immediately if you've handed over any financial and sensitive information or made a payment.

Report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 204.

You can also contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service for help with what to do next via this link: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/