Trading Standards NI

TSS warns of scammers posing as car finance lenders offering fake compensation. Use MoneySavingExpert’s tools to check your car finance and draft a complaint: moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/reclai…. No solicitor or upfront fees. Don’t share bank details. #ScamAware

Do you sell products, services or digital content online? Understanding your legal responsibilities is vital. When customers buy online, they rely on the info you provide. Getting it right helps avoid mistakes, complaints and builds customer confidence. youtu.be/VpAWEKy5BFA

Economy Minister Dr @CArchibald_SF has launched @TSSNI Businessline, a dedicated telephone helpline designed to support local businesses with trading standards regulations. Find out more ➡️economy-ni.gov.uk/news/minister-…

🤔 Not sure if an investment firm is genuine? 🔎 Use the FCA Register to check if a firm is authorised. If they’re not listed, your money may not be protected. A quick check could save you money and heartbreak Learn more 👉 fca.org.uk/consumers/fca-…

Scammers often ask for ID to “set up” fake investment or crypto accounts. If you’ve shared your passport or driving licence, it could be used to open bank accounts, apply for loans or credit in your name. cifas.org.uk/pr #ScamAware

We’ve ordered the AA and BSM driving schools to refund thousands of learner drivers + pay a fine of £4.2m over illegal drip pricing. More than 80,000 customers will be refunded after they weren’t shown the total price upfront when booking lessons online: gov.uk/government/new…

Be wary of emails stating there is a problem with your Apple account. Apple will never ask you to verify your account via email links, threaten to delete your data unless you act immediately or use generic greetings. #ScamAware

Signs of a scam site: Unofficial website addresses – look closely for typos or sites similar in name e.g. tescostores.com instead of tesco.com Prices or offers that sound too good to be true Poor spelling/grammar, pixelated images/graphics & dead links.

We are reminding the public of Ask Silver - the free AI-powered scam checker. Check emails, texts & websites you’re worried about by taking a photo and uploading to Ask Silver at asksilver.com Ask Silver uses AI to spot red flags and gives steps on staying safe.

Many of us are worrying about energy bills & fraudsters are cold-calling people saying they are from a well-known price comparison site offering special deals. Unless you’ve requested a call back, a price comparison site shouldn’t cold call you. Never give personal/banking info.

Fraudsters set up fake sites to steal your money and some holidaymakers turn up to find the accommodation is not what was expected or worse.... it doesn’t actually exist. Use trusted sites, use a credit card, check there is contact details & conduct a reverse image search.

Be wary of scam NatWest 'unusual transaction' emails. The email states the amount spent & where it was spent to panic you & act quickly. It provides a mobile number to call which is not linked to NatWest. Always check your online banking & contact your bank directly. #ScamAware

Be wary of emails impersonating Apple telling you 'your system is heavily damaged by viruses.' The emails ask you to click a link to 'remove viruses' which lead to a phishing website or malware being downloaded. Report scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk #ScamAware

🚨 Don't miss: CTSI's Consumer Rights and Remedies for Businesses Contracts are the backbone of strong business–customer relationships but navigating consumer law can be complex. 📅 19 or 23 March Book now: ow.ly/7WLS50YgHOn #BusinessSupport #ConsumerRights #SME

Even if you know a call is a scam, never keep them on the line talking and hang up immediately. Help keep yourself safe by: Checking bank statements regularly, Never disclose private or banking info and report scam numbers to 7726. #ScamAware

Fraudsters pose as your bank & invent bogus reasons to share personal info, provide security codes, provide remote access & transfer money to an account they control. Check if your bank offers caller verification facilities to be sure it's really them calling #ScamAware

Be wary of messages claiming to be from EE advising you to redeem your points in exchange for rewards/prizes. EE DO NOT RUN A POINTS PROGRAM! Read more here: ee.co.uk/.../staying-sa…

Watch out for unsolicited contact claiming you need to purchase gift cards to pay a fine/bill. Additionally, scammers impersonate family/friends with a time sensitive emergency & state they need your help and request you buy a gift card and send them the number. #ScamAware

As the deadline for Self Assessment returns approaches (31st Jan), remember that HMRC will never inform you about a tax rebate or penalty – or request personal payment information details – by email, text or social media post. #ScamAware

New year, new job? When searching, be wary of requests for up-front payments for #DBS checks, CV services, headshots and even job applications in case they’re fraudulent #SafeJobSeeking getsafeonline.org/safejobseeking