Protecting yourself against scammers

In many phone scams, criminals pretend to be from your bank, internet provider, or local government.

For example, in a bank scam, the scammer might say there's a security problem and ask for your account details to fix it. If you give them this information, they can steal money from your account.

In internet provider scams, the scammer might claim your computer has a virus and ask you to download software. This software lets them steal personal information from your computer, like passwords for your bank, email, and shopping accounts.

Stay cautious and never share personal information over the phone unless you're sure who you're talking to.

Some tips for preventing phone scams are:

• Don't answer unknown calls. Scammers often use private or strange phone numbers. If you don't know who's calling, don't pick up. Genuine callers will usually leave a message or contact you another way, like by email or post.
• Never share your bank details. Your bank will never ask you to move money or share your online banking details, like your PIN, over the phone. If someone asks for these, hang up immediately.
• Don't give access to your computer. Your internet provider won't call you about a virus and ask for access to fix it. Only give remote access to someone you trust.
• Ask lots of questions. Scammers don't like it when you ask questions. If you suspect a scam, ask detailed questions. Scammers might get agitated, hang up, or make mistakes, revealing they're not genuine.

For more information on phone scams, see Types of scam - Kent County Council

Online scams can include phishing websites and other forms of online information theft. 

Phishing websites look like real sites to trick you into giving away personal and financial information, paying for services that should be cheaper or free, or buying fake goods that seem genuine.

For more information on internet scams, see Types of scam - Kent County Council

To find out how you can keep safe online, visit one of the following websites:

• Kent Police
• Get Safe Online
• Action Fraud
• Crimestoppers

Doorstep criminals, also known as "rogue traders" or "cowboy builders", knock on doors offering deals for home repairs or other services. They use pushy tricks to get vulnerable people to say "yes." This often leads to:

• Poor and expensive work: work is usually done badly, is not needed, or can even be dangerous
• No way of finding them later: They don't give paperwork, so you can't track them down.
• Fake information: They give false names, addresses, and phone numbers that don't work.
• Stealing money: they only want to take your money and disappear.

How to protect yourself from doorstep scammers:

• Use the Trading Standards Checked website if you need a tradesperson: reputable builders do not cold call.
• Keep doors locked, even when you are home.
• Don't pay anything upfront and avoid paying in cash 
• Don't talk to people you aren't expecting 
• Put "no cold callers" stickers on the door.
• Look through a peephole or window to see who it is.
• If you have to answer the door:
  • Use the door chain.
  • Ask for a photo ID.
  • Ask lots of questions about their company and what they do.
  • Tell them "no" firmly and close the door.
  • Tell them to contact a family member or care giver if the person wont leave.
  • Call the police (101) if you feel scared.

Visit the Kent County Council website for more information about doorstep crime