User guide
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Welcome
Scams these days can be very sophisticated, with fraudsters exploiting digital platforms and impersonating legitimate companies. We’ve also seen new scams emerging during periods of uncertainty, such as the coronavirus pandemic.
We want this supplement to work as your tool kit – to help you identify, avoid and report scams. It’s packed with tips and examples of various scams, from those on your computer, to those you might encounter while shopping online. We explain how to report different types of scam and recover your money if you've been the victim of a scam. We also highlight the work we’ve been doing in this area, from our consumer rights advice, to our Stamp Out Scams campaign and our scam alerts service.
Unfortunately, scams can affect us all, so please share this supplement with others after reading.
In this guide
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Introduction
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Understanding and avoiding scams
Scammers will stop at nothing to get their hands on your money. Here we give you the essential tool kit for spotting scams early.
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How scammers take advantage of uncertain times
Exceptional situations such as the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit have offered rich pickings for scammers.
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Scams on your computer
An unprotected computer can be a gold mine for criminals. Find out why security software is so important and how to evade the hackers.
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Online marketplace scams
Online trading sites can be rife with fake listings designed to con you into buying second-rate goods – or even non-existent ones.
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Reporting scams
If you’ve been a victim of a scam, it’s important to report it – but who you notify depends on the type of fraud.
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How to get your money back
Your options for getting back money you’ve lost in a scam depend on how you paid out.
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Glossary
© Which? Ltd November 2020 This supplement may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or otherwise made available to third parties without the written permission of Which? Ltd. Commercial use of the supplement is not permitted. To enquire about using Which? content, email corporatequeries@which.co.uk.
This publication is not a Which? magazine. It does not constitute advice of any form. It has been produced for general information and interest only. You should take appropriate advice in relation to your circumstances. While every care has been taken in researching the information included in this supplement, no responsibility can be accepted for any inaccuracy or omission, or for any of the information being out of date. The information is subject to change without notification.