As it is the BBC’s Scam Safe week, we’re shining a light on the growing issue of scams and how victims can take action. Every year, thousands of people lose money to fraudsters, with scams ranging from fake investment schemes to phishing emails. But if you’ve been scammed, all hope is not lost—legal options may be available to help you recover your money.

What Are Scams and How Do They Work?

Scams are deceptive schemes designed to steal money, personal information, or both. Scammers often use sophisticated techniques to gain their victims’ trust, making it harder to spot the red flags. Common types of scams include:

• Phishing and Smishing: Fraudulent emails or text messages designed to steal your personal details.
• Investment Scams: Promises of high returns on investments that don’t exist.
• Impersonation Scams: Scammers pretending to be from legitimate organisations, like your bank or HMRC.
• Online Shopping Scams: Fake websites or sellers taking payments for goods that never arrive.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you’ve fallen victim to a scam, take the following steps immediately:

1. Contact Your Bank: Report the fraud to your bank or credit card provider. You may be able to recover stolen funds through the various Authorised Push Payment (APP) codes and the Payment Systems Regulations (PSR).
2. Report the Scam: Notify Action Fraud (UK’s national reporting centre) or the police. This helps authorities track down scammers and prevent further fraud.
3. Gather Evidence: Keep records of emails, messages, or payment receipts related to the scam.
4. Seek Legal Advice: If your bank or financial institution failed in its duty to protect you, you may have grounds for a legal claim.

How We Can Help with Scam Claims

At SJS Legal, we assist clients who have been scammed and need legal support to recover their money on a no-win no-fee basis. Here’s how we can help:

1. Claims Against Financial Institutions

Banks and payment providers have a responsibility to protect customers from fraudulent activity. If they failed to act on red flags or didn’t follow proper protocols, they may be liable for your losses.

2. Claims Against Scammers

While it’s often difficult to recover money directly from scammers, our team can help you identify potential recovery routes, such as tracing assets or using civil court actions.

3. Regulatory Complaints

We can assist you in filing complaints with the Financial Ombudsman Service if your bank or financial institution has failed to address your concerns adequately.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Scams

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to stay safe:

• Verify Contact Details: Always confirm the identity of the person or organisation contacting you.
• Be Sceptical of Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly.
• Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Be wary of unexpected investment opportunities or offers that seem too good to be true.
• Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid bank transfers for online purchases; use secure payment systems like PayPal or credit cards.

Why Act During BBC Scam Safe Week?

Scam Safe week is the perfect time to educate yourself and others about scams. It’s also an opportunity to take action if you’ve been a victim. Recovering from a scam is not just about getting your money back—it’s about holding fraudsters and negligent institutions accountable.

Contact Us for Help with Scam Claims

If you’ve been affected by a scam and are unsure of your next steps, we’re here to help. Contact SJS Legal today for expert advice and support. Our team will guide you through the process of making a claim and help you take back control.

Together, we can fight back against scams and protect what matters most.

Call to Action: Contact Us Today on 0151 909 6120 or Book a Free Consultation and email FSC@sjs-legal.co.uk