The Citizens Advice Derbyshire Districts writes in its latest Chronicle column about how people can avoid becoming a victim as reports of scams increase in the area.

We have been made aware that some residents in the Glossop area are being targeted by fraudsters claiming to be from Citizens Advice or a reputable National Debt organisation.

A number of people in Derbyshire have been targeted by a scammer so far this year. 

We would like to reassure you that we never call you unless we had your permission to do so. 

In addition to this, we do not share your information with other organisations without your explicit consent.

As life begins to unlock, it is so important we report anything that looks like a scam when we see it. 

By learning how these scammers operate, and helping each other understand what to look out for, we can all work together to stop them in their tracks.

To help stop more people being caught out by these types of scams, Citizens Advice Derbyshire Districts is sharing the following tips on how to spot them.

It might be a scam if:

• It seems too good to be true – for example, a holiday that’s much cheaper than you would normally expect
• You suspect you are not dealing with a real company – for example, if there is no postal address
• You have been pressured to transfer money quickly or in an unusual way – for example by iTunes vouchers or a transfer service
• You have been asked to give away personal information like passwords or PINs
• You have not had written confirmation of what has been agreed.

If you been scammed or suspect that someone may be trying to scam you or somebody else then:

Talk to your bank or card company immediately to check if the call is genuine or if you’ve handed over any financial and sensitive information or made a payment

Report offline scams, like telephone, post and doorstep, to Citizens Advice or by calling 0808 223 1133. Report online scams to the dedicated Scams Action service on 0808 250 5050

Report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

You can of course give us a call for advice if you are not sure what to do or have any doubts that something may be genuine.

If you would like to contact us for advice on any subject or an appointment at our Glossop office the number is 0808 2787 954 (freephone). 

Our lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm.

Citizens Advice Derbyshire Districts

Glossop 1st Floor, Bradbury Community House, Market Street, SK13 8AR

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