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Scams are numerous and varied. Fraudsters operate from within and outside the UK. Anyone can be a potential victim. Always be on your guard and remember:

 If it sounds too good to be true it probably is!

How to protect yourself against scams

Scams can take the form of unsolicited prize draws, miracle lotions, pyramid selling or numerous other examples. You can reduce your chances of being a scam victim by following this simple advice.

• Read letters, circulars, brochures and e-mail and text messages carefully and seek professional help (e.g. an accountant or a solicitor) if significant money, time or responsibilities are involved.
  

• Don't provide any financial or other personal information before you establish whether the company or individual is legitimate.
  

• Don't judge the credibility of a company or sales person by how ?professional? they or their promotional material or web site seems.
  

• Don't fall for high-pressure sales tactics or put yourself in a situation which might make you vulnerable.

The following sites provide further information on Internet security and current scams.

Fraudwatch International:

Anti-Phishing Working Group - Committed to wiping out Internet scams and fraud:
http://www.antiphishing.org/index.html

Home Office Identity Theft website:
http://www.identity-theft.org.uk

Monklands Online is not responsible for the content on these web sites