When it comes to the cost of living, crisis and soaring gas and electricity bills, one of the biggest clues that you are the target of a scam is if you are asked to pay by bank transfer.
It’s one of the least protected and least reversible methods of payment and should be avoided at all costs, unless you are 100% sure of who you are dealing with.
Don’t sign up to anything on a whim – it really is worth doing your homework first. Your local authority’s website should have reliable information about green schemes operating nationally or in your area, and the legitimate traders providing them.
And when it comes to making payment, then using your credit card (particularly for items costing £100 or more) or debit card will ensure you get the most protection if something should go wrong.
Don’t let anyone try to pressure you into anything.
Part of the success of most scams is the ability to make you feel as though you will be missing out if you don’t act quickly.
No matter what the situation, it is worth taking five minutes to think about whether or not you are dealing with a scammer.
If you’ve received a call, text or email that you think could be genuine, the safest thing to do is to source a contact number for that…
