76% of people in South West targeted by scammers so far this year
Citizens Advice Cornwall has issued tips and advice as the cost of living bites
Last updated 15th Jun 2022
New research from Citizens Advice Cornwall has found that 76% of people in the South West have been targeted by scammers this year, as the cost of living crisis takes hold.
The top five most common types of scams in the South West, as reported by those targeted, was Delivery and Courier Services at 56%
Citizens Advice Cornwall says other common types of scams included:
• Government or HMRC related scams (46%)
• Banking (29%)
• Rebates and refunds (28%)
• Investment or financial (21%)
Ahead of many households receiving vital government help to cope with rising prices, Citizens Advice and the Consumer Protection Partnership have launched their annual Scams Awareness campaign.
Gill Pipkin, Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Advice Cornwall, said: "A shocking number of people in the South West have been targeted by a scammer so far this year.
"We know scammers prey on our worries and fears. Sadly, the cost-of-living crisis is no exception.
"Anyone can be targeted by a scam, and as the purse strings are tightened and financial pressures pile on, it’s important we work together to protect ourselves and each other".
How can I prevent a scam?
To stop more people from falling victim to these types of scams, Citizens Advice Cornwall is sharing five top tips to help you guard against a potential scam:
• It seems too good to be true – for example, scammers pretending to be energy companies to lure people into “too good to be true” deals
• You suspect you’re not dealing with a real company or a genuine person – take a moment to step back and double-check
• You've been pressured to transfer money quickly
• You've been asked to pay in an unusual way – like by an iTunes vouchers or a transfer service
• You've been asked to give away personal information such as passwords, PINs or other verification codes.
What can I do if I've been scammed?
If you have been scammed, Citizens Advice Cornwall advises:
• Talk to your bank or card company immediately if you’ve handed over any financial and sensitive information or made a payment
• Report the scam to Citizens Advice. Offline scams, like those using the telephone, post and coming to your door, can be reported to the Citizens Advice website or by calling 0808 223 1133. Report online scams to the dedicated Scams Action service either online or on 0808 250 5050
• Text scams can be reported to your mobile phone provider by forwarding it to 7726
• Also report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
For information on the genuine types of help available and how you will receive it see If you are struggling with living costs and grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills on the Citizens Advice website.