1 in 3 people have been contacted by a scammer since the coronavirus began. Here at Citizens Advice Cheshire West, we consider it more important than ever that people know how to protect themselves and others from scams.

Scams Awareness Fortnight is an opportunity to help your community be #ScamAware so they can stop scammers all year round, not just during the coronavirus crisis.  We’re here to give you the skills and confidence you’ll need to stop scams in their tracks.

Could it be a scam?

Watch out for coronavirus scams— whether that’s emails pretending to be from the government, adverts selling face masks at high prices, or someone knocking at your door asking for money for a fake charity.  Don’t give money or personal details to anyone you don’t know or trust, and don’t click on any links they send you.

Scams can affect anyone, so it’s important to know how to spot one. Check how #ScamAware you are on our new  ‘How Scam Aware are you?’ Quiz

What to do if you suspect you’re being targeted by a scam or have been scammed:

• Stop and get advice from the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline at 0808 223 1133 (or 0808 223 1144 for Welsh language).
• Report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or @actionfrauduk on Twitter.
• Talk with friends, family and neighbours about scams they’ve seen

Download our information leaflet on Spotting a scam, How to protect yourself against scams and What to do if you think you’ve been scammed.

Check out our website for more info https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/sa20/

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook throughout the campaign for top tips on how to protect yourself, family and friends against scams

Useful links

• Check if something might be a scam
• Check if you can get your money back after a scam
• What to do if you’ve been scammed
• Report a scam
• Get emotional support if you’ve been scammed
• Get help with online scams