Scams
Scams can happen to anyone. Fraudsters use phone calls, emails, texts, and even doorstep visits to trick people out of money or personal details.
This page explains how to report scams, get support, and reduce your risk.
Report a Scam
- Action Fraud – Report online or call 0300 123 2040
- Suspicious emails – Forward to report@phishing.gov.uk
- Suspicious websites – Report to the National Cyber Security Centre
- Suspicious texts – Forward to 7726 (free)
- Counterfeit goods – Call 01785 330356
- Doorstep crime – Call Staffordshire Trading Standards confidential hotline on 01785 330356
- Consumer advice – Call Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133
- Loan sharks – Report anonymously on 0300 555 2222 or visit Stop loan sharks
If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
- Act quickly – Report it. Don’t blame yourself; fraudsters are responsible.
- Contact your bank – They may stop payments or protect your account.
- Try to get your money back – See https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ or https://www.which.co.uk/.
- Financial Ombudsman – If your bank doesn’t resolve the issue, contact the https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/.
Help and Support
- Citizens Advice Consumer Service – Free advice and scam reporting: 0808 223 1133
- Staffordshire Victim Gateway – Support for victims of crime: 0330 088 1339
- Stop Loan Sharks – Help if you’ve borrowed from a loan shark: 0300 555 2222
Reduce Your Risk
- Check if it’s a scam – Use https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
- Call 159 – Safe way to contact your bank
- Call blockers – Free devices for vulnerable residents (apply for a call blocker here)
- Scam Awareness Newsletter – Sign up for scam awareness updates
- No cold caller stickers – Free from Trading Standards, apply for a no cold caller sticker here.
- Online safety – Get a course from the National Cyber Security Centre
- Friends Against Scams – Free training and resources
- Take Five campaign – Tips to stop fraud
Isolation and Vulnerability
Feeling isolated can make you more vulnerable to scams.
Here are ways to stay connected:
- The Silver Line – Free 24-hour helpline for older people: 0800 470 8090
- Reading Friends – Telephone chats about books
- Men’s Shed – Social groups for practical hobbies
- Age UK Staffordshire – Advice and local services: 0800 678 1602
- Staffordshire Connects
Other Ways to Reduce Junk Mail and Calls
- Mail Preference Service – Stop unwanted post
- Telephone Preference Service – Stop marketing calls
- Fundraising Preference Service – Stop charity marketing
- Royal Mail opt-out – Stop unaddressed leaflets
- Your Choice scheme – Reduce junk mail
Need more help?
Visit Staffordshire Trading Standards
