YOU always have to be aware of what’s real and what’s not.
People are more knowledgeable these days about how to keep their identity and money safe online and from scam phone calls but there are still people vulnerable to these kinds of cowardly crimes.
The story on the front page of this week’s SNJ is about a woman who lost £25,000 after two men called her claiming to be from her bank and convinced her to hand over thousands of pounds.
There are steps you can take to protect yourself and prepare you for these kinds of calls and emails.
Firstly never give out your details (name, address, bank details, email or phone number) when someone calls you, verify their credentials as it could be a scam.
Don’t respond to an email which asks you to click on a link and confirm your bank details, these are fake.
Be careful and contact your bank if you get an email and you are not sure if it is real, use the phone number on a bank statement, your bank’s website or the phone book.
If you need advice about fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
If you have elderly relatives who could be targeted, make sure they know about the risks.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here