By Jon Donnis
Bromley Trading Standards has issued a crucial warning to residents, urging them to remain vigilant against scammers posing as psychics or clairvoyants. This alert follows a recent incident where a local resident was deceived into sending several cheques totaling over £100 in response to a fraudulent letter promising good fortune. Fortunately, the money was successfully recovered.
The following advice is not just for people of Bromley though, this advice should go to everyone in the UK so read carefully.
According to the Action Fraud website, psychic and clairvoyant scams typically involve fraudsters claiming to foresee either wonderful or terrible events in the victim's future. They then demand payment to provide a full report or to offer charms that purportedly ensure good luck or ward off bad luck. These charms, however, are worthless, and victims are often asked to keep the interaction confidential, which further isolates them and prevents timely intervention.
These scammers can make contact through various channels, including phone calls, emails, or letters. Regular payments may be solicited, and responding to such requests can result not only in financial loss but also in personal details being shared with other scammers, increasing the risk of further targeting.
Protect Yourself from Scams
Residents are advised to adopt the following protective measures:
Do Not Respond: If you receive unsolicited communications from individuals claiming to be psychics or clairvoyants, do not respond. Refrain from sending money or sharing personal or financial details.
Report Phishing Attempts: Forward any suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and then delete them.
Seek Advice: If uncertain about the legitimacy of a communication, consult a trusted family member, friend, or advisor.
Report Scams: Contact your bank immediately if you've shared financial information. Use the dedicated Stop Scams UK hotline by dialing 159.
Get Help: Reach out to Citizens Advice at 0808 223 1133 or visit their website for assistance. - citizensadvice.org.uk
File a Report: If you have been scammed or have lost money, report the incident to Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040 or via their website. - actionfraud.police.uk
Stay Informed: The Metropolitan Police website offers resources, including guidebooks and videos, to help prevent fraud and cybercrime.
Stay Updated and Find Reliable Traders
Residents can stay informed about the latest scam alerts and warnings by signing up for updates from Bromley Trading Standards. The service also maintains a fair-trader directory, ensuring residents can find trustworthy and reliable traders. For more details, visit bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked
And perhaps the most important advice you will ever received, NEVER GIVE A PENNY TO A PSYCHIC. They are ALL frauds, no exceptions.
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