Staying alert to fraud and scams
- Dec 16
- 3 min read
Fraud and scams are on the rise, and criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the ways they target people. Whether it’s through emails, phone calls, or online shopping platforms, the goal is always the same: to trick you into handing over money or personal information.
What are fraud and scams?
Fraud is when someone deceives you for personal gain - this could be for money, goods, services, or property.
A scam is a form of fraud designed to trick you into revealing personal information or handing over money.
How scammers operate
Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring victims to act quickly before they have time to think or seek advice. They may also encourage secrecy, making you feel you shouldn’t tell anyone about the interaction. These tactics prey on feelings of isolation and shame, which is why it’s important to stay alert and talk to someone if you’re unsure.
Common types of scams
Scams come in many forms, and knowing the most frequent ones can help you stay safe:
Online shopping scams
These can appear as fake websites or social media adverts offering deals that seem too good to be true. Victims pay for goods that never arrive or receive poor-quality counterfeits.
Phishing emails and texts
Messages that look like they’re from trusted organisations – this could include banks, delivery companies, or government agencies etc. The fraudsters will create emails to pose as these organisations that will ask you to click a link or provide personal details.
Phone scams
Fraudsters call pretending to be from your bank, HMRC, or even the police, claiming urgent action is needed to protect your account or avoid fines. If ever in doubt, hang up the phone and visit their official websites to seek contact information.
Investment and Cryptocurrency scams
This is often posed as promises of high returns, which lure victims into transferring money to fake investment platforms or buying worthless digital coins.
Romance scams
Criminals build relationships online, often over weeks or months, before asking for money for an “emergency” or travel costs.
Tech support scams
You’re told your computer has a virus and asked to pay for unnecessary repairs or give remote access to your device.
Lottery and prize scams
Emails or calls claim you’ve won a prize - but in order to claim you must pay a fee or provide bank details.
Social media scams
Fake profiles or hacked accounts send messages asking for money or sharing malicious links. Scammers will pose as family and friends in order to gain access to this information.
How to spot and stop scams
Stay vigilant
Always research the sender of an email or message before opening attachments.
Stick to well-known retailers and use official links - avoid clicking on unverified ads.
Use secure payment methods and never send money via bank transfer to unknown sellers / companies.
Protect your devices
Install reputable anti-virus software and ensure it’s regularly updated.
If you suspect malware, disconnect your device from the internet, inform your bank, and change all passwords.
Think twice before you act
Be cautious of any call, text, or email demanding immediate payment or personal details.
Watch for phone-based scams such as vishing (voice phishing) and smishing (SMS phishing) - they often impersonate banks or officials.
Reach out
Speak to friends, family, or trusted advisors before responding or handing over money.
Remember, feeling ashamed or isolated is normal, but you’re not alone and support is available.
What to do if you think you’ve been targeted
If you think you’ve been targeted, report it immediately.
Report Fraud
Report Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can report using their online reporting service any time of the day or night; the service enables you to both report a fraud and find help and support.
Call 0300 123 2040
Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline
Reporting to Dudley trading standards can be done via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline
Call 0808 2231133
Dudley Trading Standards Scams Units
The unit engages with potential scam victims in the Dudley Borough, to raise awareness, improve reporting of scams and stop financial abuse.
Call 01384 818871
West Midlands Police
Call police non-emergency number 101 (In an emergency only call 999)
Accessibility text phone 18001 101 (In an emergency 18001)
Stop Loan Sharks
Loan sharks are illegal money lenders who often target low income and desperate families and individuals. The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders while supporting those who have borrowed money from a loan shark. If you or someone you know is the victim of a loan shark, help and support is available.
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