Have you been caught out by fraud or know of someone who has? You may already know some of the tricks fraudsters use, but the rise of the internet means new ones are being invented all the time.

To find out how modern fraud works, what you can do to guard against it and how to report it, watch our video of Inspector Mark Hughes from Ealing Police outlining the 10 golden rules to prevent fraud.

Ten golden rules to prevent fraud

Remember these ten golden rules to help you prevent fraud and beat the scammers.

1. Be suspicious of all ‘too good to be true’ offers and deals. There are no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes.
2. Don’t agree to offers or deals immediately. Insist on time to get independent or legal advice before making a decision.
3. Don’t hand over money or sign anything until you’ve checked someone’s credentials and their company’s.
4. Never send money to anyone you don’t know or trust, whether in the UK or abroad, or use methods of payment you’re not comfortable with.
5. Never give banking or personal details to anyone you don’t know or trust. This information is valuable so make sure you protect it.
6. Always log on to a website directly rather than clicking on links in an email.
7. Don’t just rely on glowing testimonials. Find solid, independent evidence of a company’s success.
8. Always get independent or legal advice if an offer involves money, time or commitment.
9. If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help. Contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at Action Fraud. Call Police on 101 if you know the suspect or they’re still in the area.
10. Don’t be embarrassed about reporting a scam. Because the scammers are cunning and clever there’s no shame in being deceived. By reporting it, you’ll make it more difficult for them to deceive others.

For more information on how to prevent fraud, read ‘The Little Book of Big Scams‘.