Watch out for Scams and Fraud this winter!

Two Scam Advice and Guidance stalls are to be held in Tameside to offer residents advice and support around staying safe online in the run up to Christmas when fraudsters can be more likely to strike.

The first stall will be held on Tuesday 22 October, 10am till 1pm at Clarendon Shopping Centre, Market St, Hyde. With the second planned for Tuesday 19 November, 10am till 1pm, in Ashton Indoor Market Hall (at the café area).

Tameside Council’s Community Safety team and Trading Standards team have partnered up with Greater Manchester Police Fraud Prevention team to give residents top tips on how to recognise and report a scam.

There are many different types of fraud such as, Customer Fraud, Insurance Fraud, Cyber Fraud, Telecoms, Pensions, Banking and Credit and much more.

As the Christmas period is approaching there tends to be an increase in cyber-crime and fraudulent activity online, as scammers target shoppers when they are busy and off guard.

When shopping online residents are advised to shop where they trust, keep devices updated, secure their email accounts, be careful with links in emails and texts, turn on two-factor authentication (2FA), use a password manager, and to be careful with giving away too much information.

Do not give any personal information (name, address, bank details, email or phone number) to organisations or people before verifying their credentials.

Reporting fraud is quick and easy to do. The online reporting tool guides users through simple questions to identify what has happened and the advisors are available twenty-four hours to give the advice needed.

A Tameside Council spokesperson said: “We want to help make it as easy as possible for residents to seek guidance on protecting themselves against scams and fraud and would encourage people to visit our stalls where they can talk to our teams, ask questions and get tips for staying safe online. This work supports our priority of creating safe and supportive communities for everyone in the borough.”

Residents can report and get advice about fraud or cyber-crime by calling 0300 123 2040 (Monday to Friday 8am-8pm) or via the online reporting tool.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing residents can contact Action Fraud via textphone on 0300123 2050.

For more information on fraud and scams visit www.actionfraud.police.uk