Northants Police warning as research finds now is time we're most likely to fall for fraud
A new campaign is being launched to raise awareness called 'Take Five to Stop Fraud.'
Anti-fraud campaigners are warning people to be on their guard against scams this month as work and social diaries start filling up again following the summer holidays.
The Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign said the "back to the grind" feeling in September could make falling for a fraud more likely.
Take Five is run by UK Finance, which represents the banking and finance industry.
A survey commissioned by the campaign has found half of people feel busier when returning from a holiday.
Just over a third (34%) said being busy makes them more likely to take a chance on a cheap deal or financial offer while nearly half (46%) were also more likely to lose focus or fail to check the details of a communication they receive, potentially putting them at risk of fraud.
About three-fifths (59%) of people surveyed are concerned about falling victim to fraud, with nearly a third (31%) having received scam attempts over the summer.
Over three-fifths (61%) are worried about their friends and family members becoming vulnerable to fraud when they are busy or distracted.
Campaign spokesperson Paul Maskall said: "We know that being busy and distracted can often mean we are more susceptible to criminals' fraud attempts.
"September is a busy time for people as they get back to their daily lives and therefore it's important to remind ourselves to be alert to fraudsters and to stop and challenge requests that don't feel right."
Sergeant Michael Rogers of the Northamptonshire Police's Economic Crime Unit has this advice if you feel you've been targeted:
"Don't be rushed or pressured into decisions and we always say it's best to listen to instincts.
"If you've handed over money or think your account's been compromised, tell your bank firstly.
"They will protect your account and put measures in place to stop further monies being taken out."