All these are many signs that the proposal you face is a scam so take heed of the following tell tale signs:
- The call, letter, e-mail or text has come out of the blue, i.e. and unsolicited approach.
- You’ve never heard of the company or competition they are talking about
- You never bought a ticket – so I can’t win it!
- They are asking you to send or pay money in advance.
- They are saying you have to respond quickly, so you don’t get time to think about it or ask family and friends before you decide.
- There is a time limit on their offer.
- The product is massively discounted.
- You get a discount if you sign now?
- They are telling you to keep it a secret.
- They tell you it’s free and you will be getting something for nothing.
- They over egg the pudding (as they say) selling a reality which you know is farfetched.
- They are doing you a favour.
- They explain that everyone knows something yet they don’t give any detail.
The golden rule is:-If it seems too good to be true – it probably is!
How to protect yourself better if you are cold called by an exit company
These are some things you can do:
- Never give out contact details like your name, phone number or address e mail to strangers or to people who should have this information already.
- Ask for qualifications legal or otherwise
- What governance do they have?
- What happens to the money you pay over?
- Why will they not except interim payments
- Are they insured and ask them to provide that insurance
- Speak to the legal departments and ask for qualifications.
- Never give financial information or details of your identity, bank accounts or credit card to strangers or to the businesses that should already hold your details
- Shred anything with your personal or bank details on – don’t just throw it away
- If in doubt, don’t reply. Bin it, delete it or hang up
- Persuasive sales patter? Just say: “No Thank You”
- Take your time – resist pressure to make a decision straight away
- Never send money to someone you don’t know
- Walk away from promises that ask for money in advance
- Ask friends, neighbours or family about whether an offer is likely to be a scam.
Report it to Action Fraud
If you have been targeted by a scam, or know someone who has then call Action Fraud. 0300 123 2040 www.actionfraud.police.uk (If debit cards, online banking or cheques are involved in the scam your first step should to contact your bank or credit card company.)
Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and internet crime.
Tell Trading Standards
If you think something may be a scam, phone 03454 04 05 06 and tell the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, who can pass details of the case on to Trading Standards.
For advice in Welsh call 03454 04 05 05 type talk: 18001 03454 04 05 06
The Trading Standards service is responsible for protecting consumers and the community against rogue traders and traders acting unfairly.
Tell others
Warn family, friends and neighbours. If you get a suspicious circular or are contacted by someone you think may be a scammer, make sure you tip off others.
Check them out with the TCA
For more information regarding this article or assistance in any other timeshare related issues please contact the TCA on 01908 881058 or email: info@TimeshareConsumerAssociation.org.uk