Highland Cow on Treslea Down
If you have problems with goods or services, or are concerned about rogue traders or scams, there are organisations that can help. The Parish Council encourages residents to seek professional advice and report suspicious activity to protect the community.
Quick Help
If you need advice about a consumer problem
Contact the consumer service run by Citizens Advice
Telephone: 0808 223 1133
They provide free, confidential advice on consumer rights and problems with traders.
If you think you have been the victim of fraud
Report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre.
If you feel threatened or unsafe
Contact the police on 101 (or 999 in an emergency).
Consumer Advice
Citizens Advice provides free guidance on a wide range of consumer issues, including:
- Faulty goods
- Problems with building work or home repairs
- Online shopping disputes
- Refunds and guarantees
- Misleading advertising
Information reported to Citizens Advice may be shared with National Trading Standards so that enforcement action can be taken where appropriate.
Doorstep Trading Advice
Be cautious if someone unexpectedly knocks on your door offering services such as:
- Roofing repairs
- Driveway resurfacing
- Gutter cleaning
- Tree cutting
- Home maintenance
Remember
- Do not feel pressured to agree immediately
- Always obtain written quotes
- Check the trader’s details and references
- Never pay large sums upfront
Legitimate traders will allow you time to consider your decision.
Common Scams
Some of the most common scams affecting residents include:
- Fake bank or parcel delivery text messages
- Energy rebate or government grant scams
- Investment and cryptocurrency scams
- Phone calls claiming to be from banks or government agencies
Never share personal or banking details with someone you do not trust.
Rogue Trader Alerts in Cornwall
Rogue traders sometimes target rural communities.
Warning signs may include:
- Cold callers offering urgent repairs
- Requests for immediate cash payments
- Work starting without a written quote
- Poor quality or incomplete work
If you see suspicious activity in the parish, report it through Citizens Advice so that it can be passed to National Trading Standards.
Sharing information helps protect neighbours and vulnerable residents.
Trusted Trader Schemes
Before hiring someone to carry out work on your home, consider using an approved trader scheme.
The Buy With Confidence scheme is supported by National Trading Standards and local authority Trading Standards services.
Approved traders have been vetted and agree to operate fairly.
Good practice when hiring a trader
- Get at least three quotes
- Ask for references
- Check reviews where possible
- Ensure you receive a written agreement
Helping Vulnerable Residents
Scams often target older or vulnerable residents. If you are concerned about someone in the parish who may need help dealing with traders or scams, encourage them to seek advice from Citizens Advice.
Should I write down my passwords?
| Mick Harrison (Devon & Cornwall Police, Cyber Protect Officer, Devon & Cornwall) |
As a Cyber Protect Officer, I am often asked: “Should I write down my passwords?”
Here is my advice:
Password managers
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recommends using a password manager to securely store your passwords. Password managers allow you to create strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts without having to remember them all. They can also help protect against phishing and often work across multiple devices.
What about saving passwords in my browser?
Modern web browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome and Apple Safari also include built-in password managers. The NCSC advises that it is safe to use these features on your own devices, making them a simple and effective option for many users. Note – Please make sure your devices are secured, generally by way of a PIN, fingerprint or facial recognition.
But what about writing them down?
However, not everyone wishes to save their passwords in their browser, nor use a password manager. If you are not confident using those methods and find it difficult to remember multiple passwords, keeping a written record can be a good practical alternative, provided it is stored securely. A password list kept safely at home is generally preferable to reusing the same password across multiple accounts, which could allow criminals to gain access to several accounts if just one password is compromised.
In case of an emergency!
It is also sensible to consider what would happen to your online accounts if you became seriously ill or passed away. Keeping a secure record of important accounts and access information, and ensuring that a trusted family member or executor knows how to locate it if required, can help your loved ones manage your digital affairs. If you use a password manager, consider one that offers an emergency access, trusted contact or family recovery feature. These can help trusted individuals gain access when necessary without requiring you to share passwords during your lifetime. Avoid sharing passwords widely and generally do not include them in your will. A will may become accessible during the probate process, making it an unsuitable place for sensitive information.
Key Takeaways
Use a password manager where possible.Consider using the password manager built into your browser or device.Keep your devices secure, so no one can just pick them up and use them. Create a different password for every important account.Don’t forget to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever available.If you choose to write passwords down, keep them somewhere safe and secure.Make sensible arrangements so that trusted family members can access important digital accounts if and when necessary.Never share passwords unnecessarily and generally do not include them in your will.
In summary: The most important thing is to use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts. Whether you choose a dedicated password manager, your browser’s built-in password manager, or a securely stored written record, choose a method that is both secure and practical for your particular circumstances.
The “Hang Up and Call Your Bank” Scam
Many people now know that the safest way to contact their bank is by calling 159. Unfortunately, scammers are adapting — and using this advice against you. Here’s how the “Hang Up and Call Your Bank” scam works
A criminal calls you pretending to be your bank and says things like: “Money is being taken from your account right now — we need your password to stop it”
You refuse (which is the correct action) and then they say: “That’s right — never share your password. Please hang up and call your bank immediately”
This sounds genuine — but it is part of the scam. What’s really happening:
The scammer is using social engineering to gain your trust and control what you do next. They know: You trust your bank. You’ve been told to call them yourself. You will feel reassured making the call yourself, They know you will immediately make that call.
Here’s the scam:
Even after you “hang up”: The scammer can keep the line open. You may even hear a fake dial or ring tone. When you dial 159 (or your banks phone number) you could still be connected to the scammer. A second scammer may answer pretending to be your bank. So although you think you’ve called your bank — you haven’t
How to stay safe
Safest option: Use a different phone to call your bank
(e.g. mobile instead of landline, or vice versa)
If you only have one phone: Hang up. Wait at least 30–60 seconds. Call a friend or family member first
This confirms the line is properly cleared
Then call 159
Warning signs
Be suspicious if the caller: Tries to shock or scare you. Pressures you to act quickly. Talks about money being at immediate risk. Asks you to move money to a “safe account”. Tells you to stay on the phone. Tries to stop you hanging up. Your bank will NEVER do these things
Key message
“HANG UP PROPERLY – THEN CALL SAFELY”
Remember 159 will never call you. You only use it when you dial it. It connects you safely to your bank
If you are the victim of Fraud or Cybercrime
Report online here: UK’s Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud – Report Fraud
Or call: 0300 123 2040
Final advice
Scammers rely on panic and urgency.
Take your time remain calm and stay in control