Fraudsters like to target people when their guard is down, like when we’re at home and unsuspecting.

Protecting against fraud at home

There are some easy ways to better protect yourselves – with a little knowledge of how fraudsters operate, and by making it harder for people to target us in the first place.

Doorstep fraud

What is it?

Doorstep fraud, or door-to-door fraud, is when a rogue trader or other fraudster knocks on your door unexpectedly offering products or services that you may be asked to pay for upfront. This will often take the form of someone offering to do some urgent work on your property. The work then turns out to be poor quality or they never return to do the job at all.

How to spot it

Learn how to spot doorstep fraud and find out what to do if you suspect someone is trying to target you at home.

Postal fraud

What is it?

Postal fraud usually takes the form of a letter designed to obtain money through deception. It will typically offer something that sounds attractive but in reality doesn’t exist. And there’s always a catch – you might have to pay an upfront fee, hand over some personal information or call a premium rate number before you receive what’s on offer.

How to spot it

Learn how to spot postal fraud and find out what to do if you suspect someone is trying to target you by mail.

Phone fraud

What is it?

Phone fraud involves criminals calling you on your landline or mobile, pretending to be someone you trust and convincing you to hand over confidential information, make a payment or give them access to your computer or phone.

How to spot it

Learn how to spot phone fraud and find out what to do if you suspect someone is trying to target you by phone.

Get the knowledge and tools you need to stay ahead of scams, by visiting the Government's new Stop! Think Fraud website. It's packed with vital guidance on how to spot fraud, protect yourself from fraud and, if you're targeted, report it and recover from it.