(Updated 03/04/2023)

IWASP - Isle of Wight Against Scams Partnership

The five original partners who created the Charter against Scams includes Citizens Advice IW. It is anticipated that each new partner that joins will pledge to commit to the areas that fall within the service or role that they provide. As of 1st September 2022 there are 42 members.

For a list of current scams on the Island please click here

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Protecting Yourself, Family and Friends

Members of the public are being urged to keep in contact with family members regularly and inform them of the most prolific scams and the possible dangers to them.

If someone has been targeted by a scam it can be reported to Action Fraud online by calling 0300 123 2040.

For advice and information on how to check if something might be a scam, visit Citizens advice website.

Even if you would not ordinarily fall for a scam these are not ordinary times - think twice before agreeing to or signing up to anything - do you need it? would you normally engage in this kind of communication?

These criminals will only try to take advantage of the current situation in any way they can - they are sophisticated, well trained and incredibly believable. Treat any unsolicited call, email or knock at the door with suspicion.

Most importantly keep yourselves and your money safe!

Scams come in many forms, postal, online, emails, telephone and on your doorstep and identifying a scam is the first step in preventing it.

Warning signs

• Beware of hype and extravagant promises. If it sounds too good to be true, it almost always is.
• You are contacted out of the blue: you may get a phone call, email or letter from someone you’ve never heard of.
• You have to make a quick decision: scammers don’t like to give you time to think. They will try to pressure you into making a decision by saying things like ‘If you don’t act now, you’ll miss out.’
• You have to give away bank account details: trustworthy firms will never contact you to ask for this information.
• Banks will never ask you to click on a link.

If you see any of the warning signs in a letter, phone call, text message or email, it could well be a scam.

Remember the ABC's of scams

A - Never assume a caller, email or text is genuine.

B - Never believe a caller, email or text is genuine.

C - Always confirm by contacting a trusted number, family member, friend, your bank’s fraud department or the police to check if it’s genuine.

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