We are receiving an increasing number of reports about scams targeting people in our communities, and we want to make sure you know how to keep yourself safe.
Teign Housing staff will only visit your home for pre-arranged repairs and maintenance appointments, or as part of a planned visit from your Community Housing team. All our staff carry official ID cards, and you can always contact us to verify their identity before speaking with them or allowing them into your home.
Scammers use many different methods to target people, including phone calls, emails, letters and unannounced visits to your door.
To help you stay safe, we’ve put together some information about the most common types of scams and how you can protect yourself and others.
The most common scams
Most scams are designed to trick people into providing personal or sensitive information, transferring money, or downloading malicious software (malware). Scammers often create a sense of urgency or pretend to be a trusted organisation, such as a bank, utility provider, friend or landlord, to pressure you into acting quickly.
Doorstep scams
Doorstep scams occur when someone comes to your door pretending to represent a company, charity or organisation in an attempt to take your money or gain access to your home. They may claim to be collecting for charity, offering services, or even asking for help.
How to protect yourself
- Be cautious of anyone who arrives at your door unexpectedly.
- If someone claims to represent a company or organisation, ask to see their ID. Contact the organisation directly using a phone number you know is genuine to verify their identity.
- Never feel pressured into making an immediate decision. Scammers often rely on creating a sense of urgency.
- Report any suspicious activity to Teign Housing so we can help protect others in the community.
Postal scams
Postal scams arrive through the mail and may be addressed to you personally. They often contain fake offers, prize draws or requests for money designed to persuade you to part with your cash or personal information.
How to protect yourself
- If a letter appears suspicious, it probably is. Do not respond and dispose of it safely.
- Check the details of any organisation or company before responding.
- Avoid calling premium-rate phone numbers, which can cost several pounds per minute.
Email scams
Email scams often involve deceptive messages that encourage you to share personal information, transfer money or click links that install malware or direct you to fake websites.
How to protect yourself
- Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts.
- Be cautious about clicking links or opening attachments in unsolicited emails.
- Check the sender’s email address carefully. Scammers often use addresses that look similar to genuine organisations.
- Report suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Phone scams
Also known as cold-calling scams, these involve unexpected calls from people claiming to represent organisations you may use or trust, such as your bank, broadband provider or utility company. They may ask for personal information or financial details to “verify your identity”.
How to protect yourself
- Use your phone’s built-in features to block spam and nuisance calls where possible.
- If you are unsure who is calling, hang up and contact the organisation directly using their official phone number.
- Never share personal, banking or security information with an unexpected caller.
- Report scams to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Remember
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Take your time, verify who you are dealing with and never feel pressured into sharing personal information or making a payment. By staying alert and reporting suspicious activity, you can help protect yourself and others in our community.