Support for residents caught out by fraud and scams

We have recently signed the national Fraud and Scams Victim Charter which sets out clear standards for how organisations should support anyone affected.

Anyone can be caught out by a scam, but support is there for you.

If you have lost money because someone misled you, pressured you into a purchase, or tricked you into sharing personal details, help is available.

Criminal tactics can affect anyone, and these crimes are becoming more sophisticated.

Our trading standards team is committed to supporting residents and preventing further harm.

Incidents can include unscrupulous doorstep callers, fake online offers, misleading phone calls and romance scams where criminals exploit trust or a desire for connection.

Learning what to look out for can help prevent harm. Warning signs can include:

• unexpected calls, emails or messages asking for bank details, passwords or PINs
• pressure to act quickly, such as paying an urgent bill, transferring money or clicking an online link
• offers that seem too good to be true, including prizes, investments or discounted home repairs
• callers claiming to be from your bank, a delivery company or the council but refusing to give verifiable details
• doorstep visitors who refuse to leave, insist on starting work straight away or ask for cash up front
• people befriending you online through social media, chat rooms, games or dating platforms, building trust over time

What do to if you are worried or have been affected

If you have made a payment in response to a scam, contact your bank as soon as possible.

Contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline – call 0808 223 1133 or visit citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer

Citizens Advice provides trusted, confidential advice. All scam reports are shared with our Trading Standards team to help identify current scams, protect others and offer support to residents.

You can also report fraud at reportfraud.police.uk 

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, always call the Police on 999.

Cllr Gill Taylor, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Housing, said: “Criminals use many methods to mislead people, and the impact can be deeply upsetting.

“Many people who realise they have been targeted say they feel angry, embarrassed or foolish, but they are not to blame. They have experienced a crime, and support is available to help them recover and feel confident again.”

Our commitment to supporting you

Fraud and scams are devastating for all those affected, often causing emotional harm as well as financial loss. By speaking up and supporting each other, Dorset communities, friends and families can help prevent harm and protect those most at risk.

The council has recently signed the national Fraud and Scams Victim Charter which sets out clear standards for how organisations should support anyone affected.

Cllr Taylor added: “By signing the Fraud and Scams Victim Charter, we are making a clear commitment to treat those affected with dignity, respect and compassion. No one should ever feel ashamed to come forward.”

Become a Friend Against Scams

Residents who have been affected by scams, or simply want to help, can learn more about protecting themselves or others.

Visit friendsagainstscams.org.uk to find out more and sign up. The programme helps people understand common scam methods, spot risk and know how to report concerns.

Examples of some of the scams we have helped to resolve:

“After my wife died, I joined an online Scrabble group to keep myself busy. One of the players struck up a friendship with me and, over time, I came to trust them.

“When they said they were struggling to pay a bill, I wanted to help. What started as a small payment turned into many, and I eventually sent over £10,000. Then they disappeared.

“I contacted Citizens Advice, who put me in touch with someone at the council. She worked with the police to trace the criminal and recover the money.

“I didn’t get all my money back, but I got huge support and understanding and regained my confidence. I’m now much more careful about who I trust online.”

^^^

“Someone pretending to work for Microsoft downloaded corrupt software onto my computer.

“A council digital champion helped me remove it and stay safe.

“I lost £4,000, but with the council’s support my bank refunded me. I now feel confident managing my online security.”

^^^

“I was pressured by a cold caller for foam insulation to be removed from my home and to fix my roof.

“I got in touch with the council and they checked the company. They advised me not to proceed but to guided me to trusted traders.

“I saved thousands of pounds and now only use reliable approved tradespeople.”

^^^

“Support from the council helped me stop nuisance calls, stay safe and recover my money after a fake courier scam.

“With ongoing advice, a call blocker and other checks, I now feel confident. I have also joined Friends Against Scams to share my experience and help others.”