Most of us have heard of the phrase "never look a gift horse in the mouth". Taken literally this means accept the offer and don't ask any questions. Given our hectic lifestyles and that most of us like a bargain it can appear all too tempting to succumb to such offers, but are we getting value for money, or worse still are we being exploited?
Scammers aim to con us all and can appear sophisticated. Deceptive premium rate competition scams, bogus sweepstakes and lotteries, get rich quick schemes and fake health cures are some of the favoured means of separating the unwary from their money.
So before you pick up the telephone, respond to an email or arrange that appointment here are some pointers that will help you deal with this growing menace:
- The unsolicited approach will offer you something for nothing when you have had no previous correspondence or involvement
- Will offer you an opportunity to earn easy money in exchange for an immediate cash fee and/or your account details
- May ask you to ring a premium rate telephone number to collect a prize
- If received in written format, will probably be grammatically incorrect , contain spelling errors and give you a PO box number as a contact address
Remember if an offer appears too be good to be true it usually is.
Stop, think and keep a hold of your cash, and always report details of any suspected scam to your bank or the Office of Fair Trading. For further advice visit: www.oft.gov.uk
