If you’ve been scammed, you’re not alone—up to four million people in the UK fall victim to scams each year. From impersonation fraud and investment scams to ransomware and counterfeit goods, scams come in many forms.
The good news? There are steps you can take to minimise the damage and, in some cases, recover your funds. Acting quickly is essential – but for those who lost money some time ago, we may still be able to help. Read on to learn what to do if you have been scammed and how CEL Solicitors can assist you in making a claim.
1. Confirm Whether You’ve Been Scammed
If you’re wondering if you have been scammed look for these red flags:
Unfamiliar Charges: Check your bank statements for unauthorised transactions.
Undelivered Goods or Services: You’ve paid for something that hasn’t arrived or isn’t what was promised.
Unsolicited Requests for Sensitive Information: Scammers may impersonate trusted institutions and ask for login credentials, bank details, or passwords.
If any of these apply, you’ve likely fallen victim to a scam. Trust your instincts—if something feels suspicious, it probably is.
2. Stop Any Further Payments Immediately
If you suspect you’ve been scammed, take immediate action to halt further payments:
Cancel Direct Debits or Recurring Payments: Contact your bank to stop any automatic payments linked to the scam.
Freeze Your Account: If you believe your account details have been compromised, request a temporary freeze.
3. Tell Your Bank
Contact your bank as soon as possible to report the scam. Many banks have fraud departments that can help.
Dispute Unauthorised Transactions: Ask for chargebacks or reimbursements for payments made to scammers.
Change Account Details: Request new card numbers or account credentials to secure your funds.
4. Check Your Credit Report
Scammers can use your personal information for identity theft, such as opening loans or credit cards in your name. Regularly check your credit report for:
- New Accounts You Didn’t Open
- Unfamiliar Credit Applications
- Sudden Drops in Your Credit Score
You can request a free credit report from agencies like Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion to monitor your financial health.
6. Take Steps to Prevent Being Scammed Again
Scammers often target victims multiple times. Protect yourself with these measures:
- Educate Yourself About Scams: Familiarise yourself with common scams like phishing, investment fraud, and third-party payment scams.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information: Be cautious about giving out personal details online or over the phone.
- Verify Requests: Double-check the legitimacy of payment requests or offers, especially if they seem urgent.
- Monitor Your Accounts Regularly: Keep an eye on your bank statements and credit report for unusual activity.
7. Consider Making a Claim
In some cases, you may be able to recover your lost funds. CEL Solicitors specialises in helping scam victims make claims when banks fail to protect their customers adequately. Oliver, a 78-year-old retiree, fell victim to two complex scams, resulting in a loss of over £126,000. With the help of CEL Solicitors, he successfully recovered his funds along with additional interest.
Why Choose CEL Solicitors?
Proven Track Record: We’ve helped clients reclaim thousands of pounds lost to scams.
Expert Guidance: We navigate the complexities of fraud cases, even when banks deny refunds.
No Win, No Fee: We believe everyone deserves access to justice without financial risk.
If you’ve been scammed and your bank refuses to reimburse you, CEL Solicitors is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your case and start your claim.
