Financial and material abuse

Financial abuse is when someone takes advantage of another person's finances. It can include theft, fraud, internet scamming, or coercion related to the person's financial affairs. It can also include the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions, or benefits (Care Act 2014).

Scams

Scams are tricks that people use to steal your money. They can come in many forms, including emails, letters, phone calls, and in-person visits. Scammers often make false promises to trick you into giving them money.

Common types of scams

Fake lotteries and prize draws

Scammers may send you an email or letter telling you that you have won a lottery or prize draw. However, there is no such lottery or prize draw, and the scammers are simply trying to trick you into sending them money.

Clairvoyants

Clairvoyants are people who claim to be able to see the future. However, there is no scientific evidence that clairvoyance is real. Scammers may pose as clairvoyants and offer to tell you your future for a fee. However, they are simply trying to trick you into giving them money.

Computer scams

Computer scammers may send you an email or pop-up message warning you that your computer is infected with a virus. They may then offer to fix the virus for a fee. However, there is no virus, and the scammers are simply trying to trick you into giving them money.

Romance scams

Romance scammers may create fake online profiles and pretend to be someone else. They may then start a relationship with you and eventually ask you for money. Romance scams can be very emotionally damaging, as well as financially damaging.

Mass marketing scams and doorstep scams

Mass marketing scams involve unsolicited or uninvited contact, such as letters, emails, phone calls, or advertisements. Scammers make false promises to trick you into giving them money.

Doorstep scams involve scammers coming to your home and persuading you to part with money as a result of rogue trading activity. This may include pretending to be from a utility company or government agency.

What to do if you think you have been scammed

If you think you have been scammed, it is important to report it to the police or your local government. You can also contact a consumer protection agency for advice and support.

Tips to help you avoid scams

  • Be wary of unsolicited or uninvited contact.
  • Never give out your personal or financial information to someone you don't know and trust.
  • Don't be afraid to say no.
  • Do your research before you buy anything or invest in any scheme.
  • If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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