Scam Promotions, Prize Draws and Competitions

Key Facts & General warning signs:

• The approach, whether in writing, by phone or email is unsolicited.
• There is a very short time in which to respond to claim a prize.
• An invitation to send a "processing" or "management" fee, or make a purchase to claim a prize.
• An invitation to purchase goods or sign up to a service to obtain a prize or reward.
• The need to use premium rate phone lines.
• The source of the promotion is based overseas.
• An invitation to send money out of the country, particularly the Netherlands or Canada.
• Prizes are expressed in foreign currency.
• An invitation to provide credit card or bank account details.
• Rewards are wholly dependent on persuading others to join a scheme.

Telecommunications (phone calls and faxes):

• Premium rate services generally begin with the numbers 090.
• Premium reverse bill text messages usually contain a 4 or 5 digit short code number to reply to.
• Always read all promotional material including any terms and conditions.
• If in doubt do not reply or call the service.
• Call barring arrangements for premium rate services are available from most telephone companies if you do feel a need to control household access to such services.

If you have any queries regarding scams etc please contact us.