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Scams awareness

Have you received an offer to invest money, met someone online who now asks for cash, or been told your bank account is compromised?
The contact may seem genuine, but it could be a scam designed to make you part with your money.

A scam is any attempt to make you believe you’ll benefit when, in reality, you lose out. Other names for scams include fraud, hoax, con, swindle, or cheat, they are all crimes.

Why scams matter 

Scams affect millions of people every year, across all walks of life—financially, physically, and mentally. Many victims suffer in silence, with only 5% reporting the crime.
In the UK, 9 million people fall victim to scams each year, losing an estimated £11.4 billion in 2024, and the real figure may be even higher.

Victims are often targeted repeatedly by different scammers, which can have devastating consequences.

What Trading Standards are doing

Cheshire East Trading Standards is helping residents understand:

  • the types of scams that are currently out there
  • how to spot them
  • what to do if they or someone they know falls victim
  • how to protect yourself in the future.

Types of scam

There are many different scams, but they all have the same goal: to get victims to part with their money.
Visit our pages on:

to see what scams are currently doing the rounds.

Spot the signs of a scam

Ask yourself these questions: 

  • Does an offer sound too good to be true?
  • Did the contact come out of the blue?
  • Do you know the person you are talking to?
  • Are you being asked for your bank or credit card details?
  • Are you being asked to purchase gift cards?
  • Is somebody coming to your home to collect cash or gift cards?
  • Are you being asked for personal details?
  • Did you enter the competition you are being told you won?
  • Has the letter come from overseas?
  • Are you being rushed into making a decision?
  • Are they very persistent and will not take no for an answer?

If the answer to any of these is yes, be cautious. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Protect yourself from a scam 

Take these steps to stay safe:

  • Take your time, listen to your gut feelings and ask someone you trust if you’re unsure.
    Don’t be rushed into making decisions on the spot. 
  • Resist the temptation to respond - once you reply to bogus promotions, your details may be added to other scam lists.
  • Never give your bank or credit card details unless you know who you’re dealing with and what you’re paying for.
  • Be sceptical – always ask questions.
  • Warn others – if you spot a scam, tell your family and friends so they don’t get caught out.

Age UK Cheshire Scams partnership

Age UK Cheshire scams partenership

We’ve partnered with Age UK Cheshire to raise awareness of scams among older people and provide aftercare for victims.
Read more about the Age UK Cheshire Scams Awareness and Aftercare Project.

Extra support for older people

Older people can be more vulnerable to scams. These organisations offer help and support:

  • Age UK – practical advice and local support for older people.
  • The Silver Line – a free 24-hour helpline for older people across the UK. Phone 0800 470 80 90 for information and befriending.
  • Royal Voluntary Service- offers a befriending service for older and vulnerable people.
  • Think Jessica – a charity protecting elderly and vulnerable people from scams which come through the postal system and by telephone.

Report a scam

If you think you’ve been scammed or spotted a suspicious message visit the report a scam page for help. 

Trusted sources for scams advice

Page last reviewed: 08 December 2025