Guarding Against Festive Fraud
Tips to identify potential scams, protect yourself and your loved ones
Published: 22/11/2024
Whether they are taking advantage of a lost winter fuel payment or the current strain on living expenses, fraudsters have learned to target us with fake information based on real-life situations, making them appear to be legitimate.
Scams often threaten fines or even criminal charges if we don’t comply with their demands by immediately responding by clicking on a link or providing our bank details to them. These bullying tactics make it all the more difficult to separate fiction from fact, especially for loved ones with memory loss or dementia.
Being a victim of any crime is distressing and it can be difficult for anyone to admit that they’ve been fooled or taken in, but ignoring it or hoping it will go away will unfortunately not solve the problem and may result in further losses. If you or one of your loved ones are affected, there are steps to take to help you recover your losses and move on.
Report the fraud: As an essential first step, make sure you take action by ringing the police or Action Fraud to report the scam. If a loved one in your care is the victim, you can help them or report it on their behalf.
Contact your bank: If you suspect fraud or notice any unusual activity in your account, be sure to alert your bank. Calling them using the number on the back of your debit or credit card – or dialling Stop Scams UK’s 159 number – will safely route your call to your bank. Avoid clicking links, ringing numbers you’ve received in emails (no matter how authentic they may look), or sharing your details with someone who has called you, as they may be linked to the fraud.
Your bank can then track and block fraudulent transactions as well as cancel your cards and reissue new ones and can help you to recover your funds. As of 7 October this year, UK banks are required to refund you (up to £85,000) if you are the victim of a bank transfer scam, also known as Authorised Push Payments (or APP) scams. You can read more about this new regulation here.
Seek further support: Sharing your story with friends and loved ones helps you to find support, while empowering them to stay vigilant. By speaking openly, you are breaking down the stigma of fraud victimisation – remember, anyone can be targeted.
If you need a little extra guidance, don’t be afraid to get in touch with Social Services or charities such as Think Jessica, Citizen’s Advice, Victim Support or Samaritans – they can all help to provide practical and emotional support in the wake of the scam.
Further education: The Metropolitan Police’s ‘Ten golden rules to prevent fraud’ can help us all to be more diligent – as can Age UK’s comprehensive guide to avoiding scams, which also provides helpful information on how and where fraud victims can find practical and emotional support.
