Every day, people throughout the UK are falling victim to scams of one kind or another. It could be an unexpected prize draw or lottery win, or a chance to invest in an exciting new money-making or investment programme. But remember - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Action Fraud
Helpline: 0300 123 2040
www.actionfraud.org.uk
Have you been defrauded and not got your money back? If the answer is yes, please get in touch. We are here to help you.
The aim of this site is for you to report, find support and information to protect yourself against fraud.
HMRC (HM Revenue & Customs)
We are aware of a scam that involves an email with a fake HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) heading. The email asks customers to provide banking details so that a repayment can be issued. HMRC Charities will never contact you but you may be confused if you have recently submitted a repayment claim. This type of email scam is know as a 'phishing' exercise and it should always be. Any email appearing to originate from HMRC and which offers a tax refund should be forwarded unopened to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
Direct.gov
www.direct.gov.uk/en/AdvancedSearch/Searchresults/index.htm?fullText=scams
Comprehensive government site with a variety of information and advice on scams.
Consumer Direct
Helpline: 08454 04 05 06
www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/watch_out/Scams/
Regionally based advisors are specially trained to give practical advice on all kinds of consumer issues including scams.
Office of Fair Trading
www.oft.gov.uk/oft_at_work/consumer_initiatives/scams/
FSA (Financial Services Authority)
From UK: 0300 500 5000
www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/search/index.shtml?cx=007702012814746907219%3Avvguzpuphuq&cof=FORID%3A9&ie=UTF-8&q=scams&globalsearchsubmit=Search#1027
The FSA is an independent body that regulates the financial services industry in the UK, who promote efficient, orderly and fair markets by helping retail consumers achieve a fair deal
Think Jessica
www.thinkjessica.com
Anti-scam mail campaign. The campaign has a number of objectives including raising the publics awareness to the extent of the criminal mail problem in the U.K £3.5 billion is estimated as being lost to scams each year however only one in five cases are reported.
Snopes
www.snopes.com/fraud/fraud.asp
The definitive Internet reference source for scams, fraud, urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors, and misinformation.
Online & Personal Safety
Crimestoppers
www.crimestoppers-uk.org/crime-prevention/.../personal-safety
Crimestoppers comprehensive personal safety advice.
e-victims
www.e-victims.org
This is the first website dedicated to helping victims of e-crime and online incidents.
We offer free, practical and easy to use advice on e-crime and online incidents. There is a lot to cover and the list expands daily.
Live Life Safe
www.suzylamplugh.org/personal-safety/personal-safety-tips/dating-safely/ - Dating safety
www.suzylamplugh.org/personal-safety/personal-safety-tips/safety-on-the-internet/ - Internet Safety
Set up by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust , their mission is to raise awareness of the importance of personal safety and to provide solutions that effect change in order to help people to avoid violence and aggression and live safer, more confident lives.
The Site
www.thesite.org/homelawandmoney/law/staysafe/safetyforwomen
Advice on safety for women from TheSite.org, including how to stay safe in taxis
and public transport, avoiding confrontation and what to do when you feel uneasy.
e-victims.org
www.e-victims.org
Dedicated to helping victims of e-crime and online incidents.
Network for Surviving Stalking
www.nss.org.uk/main/advice.html
The NSS is a registered charity dedicated to support those affected by stalking of any kind.
National Stalking Helpline: 0300 636 0300
www.stalkinghelpline.org
The National Stalking Helpline provides guidance and information to anybody who is currently or has previously been affected by harassment or stalking
Bullying Online
www.bullyonline.org/related/stalking.htm
Comprehensive website on all forms of bullying including cyber stalking.
Suzy Lamplugh Trust
www.suzylamplugh.org/personal-safety/personal-safety-tips/victims-of-stalking/
UK Charity dedicated to providing practical support and personal safety advice to reduce fear of crime and develop skills and strategies to avoid crime and violence.
Protection Against Stalking
www.protectionagainststalking.org
Protection against Stalking works jointly with relevant agencies to increase awareness of Stalking and Harassment to ensure victims receive all the protection and help they need to rebuild their lives and live free of fear.
Refuge
www.refuge.org.uk
Thirty-five years ago Refuge set up the world's first refuge for women and children escaping domestic violence. Since then, Refuge has grown to become the largest provider of emergency accommodation and emotional and practical support to women and children in the country and the leading voice in the campaign to end domestic violence.
Women's Aid Federation of England
Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)
www.womensaid.org.uk
For women who are expriencing or have experienced physical, mental, sexual or domestic violence or abuse. Offers advice, support and crisis intervention to abused women.
NHS Choices - What should I do immediately after a sexual assault or rape?
NHS Direct Helpline: 0845 46 47
www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/2482.aspx
After a rape or sexual assault you may be affected emotionally and physically. Only you can decide what you feel up to doing in the following hours, days or weeks.
But there are certain pieces of advice we can offer you, so that you have the knowledge you need to make the right decisions for you, and get the support you need.
Victim Support
Supportline: 0845 30 30 900
Weblink for comprehensive help and information: www.victimsupport.org.uk/help%20for%20victims/Get%20information%20victims/Information%20about%20specific%20crimes/Rape%20sexual%20assault%20women
Our services are confidential, free and available to anyone who's been raped or sexually assaulted, now or in the past. We can help, regardless of whether you have told the police or anyone else about the attack. Our volunteers can visit you at home (if you want us to, and if doing so will not put you at further risk) or somewhere else if you prefer. If you don't want to see anyone face-to-face, you can also talk to us on the 'phone, either at one of our local offices or at the national Victim Supportline.
RASAC (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre)
National Helpline: 0808 802 9999 (12-2.30 & 7-9.30)
www.rasasc.bizview.co.uk
National helpline for survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse, their families and friends. Provides emotional and practical support.
Women Against Rape
www.womenagainstrape.net
This is the joint website of Women Against Rape and Black Women's Rape Action Project. Both organisations are based on self-help and provide support, legal information and advocacy. We campaign for justice and protection for all women and girls, including asylum seekers, who have suffered sexual, domestic and/or racist violence.
Rape Crisis
www.rapecrisis.org.uk
National Organisation offering support and counselling for those affected by rape and sexual abuse.
See website for local groups or contact directory enquiries.