Prevention and reporting scams
Our Trading Standards team is working hard to warn people about scams that pretend to offer support to struggling households, but in fact are just after your money.
There are many resources on how to protect yourself from fraud and scams. Our Heart of the South West Trading Standards website has lists categorised by the location.
You could also:
- Visit Age UK for age-friendly advice
- Visit the Think Jessica website for advice on mail scams
- Call the Citizens Advice Customer Service on 0808 223 1133 for general queries.
If you think you have been a victim of fraud you should report it to your bank and Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Keep an eye on our News website to stay up-to-date with any scams circulating in Devon.
Illegal money lending
In England, a money lender has to be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority to lend money legally. Money lenders who aren’t authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority are breaking the law. They are known as loan sharks.
If you have borrowed from a loan shark, are worried about someone else who has, or want to report a suspected loan shark, you can contact the England Illegal Money Lending Team in confidence on 0300 555 2222 or via their Stop Loan Sharks website.
Find out more about loan sharks at Citizens Advice – Loan sharks.