Trading Standards NI

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

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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

Some N.I. residents have received the £25 cold weather payment. Unfortunately, scammers use this as an opportunity to try and obtain personal or banking info. If you receive any communication asking you to apply....It's a Scam! Payments will be made automatically. #ScamAware

National Trading Standards have launched an app to help you stay safe from scams. ✅Take interactive training to spot doorstep, mail, and telephone fraud. ✅ Use Ask Silver to check if a website is legitimate. ✅Use Ask Silver to verify if a message might be a scam. #ScamAware

Minister for the Economy warns consumers to be alert to scams this Christmas economy-ni.gov.uk/news/minister-…

Top Tips for Black Friday Bargains: competitionandmarkets.blog.gov.uk/2025/11/13/sho…

Beware of WhatsApp messages from someone you know asking you to vote for their child in a contest. Users are directed to fake websites to vote & asked to input their telephone number and six-digit verification code giving scammers access to your account. #ScamAware

If you receive a text about Winter Fuel Payments, it is a scam. Winter Fuel Payments are automatic, you do not need to register or sign up. Payments are made directly into your bank and are due to commence from November. Find out more: nidirect.gov.uk/articles/winte…

Watch out for fake delivery texts. They'll say you owe a fee and provide a link to pay. The link leads to a fake sites designed to steal your bank details. #ScamAware

Would you know if a loved one was falling victim to a romance scam? Romance fraud is on the rise and you need to know the signs. Learn how to protect yourself from criminals: actionfraud.police.uk/romance-fraud