Unfortunately, residents of Cornwall, like anywhere else in the UK, are vulnerable to a range of scams. While Cornwall's crime rate sits at 73.4 per 1,000 (lower than the national average of 91.6), and boasts a respectable safety score of 82/100, scammers are increasingly sophisticated and target vulnerable individuals. With a population of 583,289, the sheer scale of potential victims makes Cornwall an attractive target.
Here's a breakdown of common scams currently affecting Cornwall:
-
Phone Scams (particularly HMRC Scams): These remain incredibly prevalent. Scammers impersonate HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) claiming you owe unpaid taxes and demanding immediate payment via bank transfer or gift cards. Action Fraud has reported a significant spike in these scams, with victims losing an average of £2,500 per incident. The convincing nature of the automated messages and the pressure to act quickly are key tactics.
-
Online Fraud (Romance Scams & Phishing): Romance scams targeting older residents continue to be a problem, with victims often losing substantial sums after developing online relationships. Phishing scams, designed to steal personal information by mimicking legitimate emails or websites (often related to banking or online shopping), are also common. Data from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) indicates that phishing attacks have increased by 15% in the last six months.
-
Doorstep Fraud (Renewals & Repairs): Scammers posing as builders or offering bogus home maintenance services remain a persistent issue, especially targeting elderly or vulnerable homeowners. They often pressure residents into agreeing to unnecessary work at inflated prices. Cornwall Council has received reports of this type of fraud increasing in rural areas.
-
Investment Scams: False investment opportunities promising high returns with little risk are frequently promoted online and through social media. These scams often target individuals looking for ways to supplement their income. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued several warnings about unregulated investment schemes.
-
Delivery Scams: Fake delivery notifications are sent, prompting victims to click on malicious links or provide personal information. These scams are often designed to steal credit card details or install malware.
Protecting Yourself:
- Verify Contact: Always independently verify any communication claiming to be from an official organisation. Contact them directly using a known, trusted phone number or website.
- Be Wary of Pressure: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prevent you from thinking clearly. Don't rush into any decisions.
- Never Share Personal Information: Never provide personal or financial details in response to unsolicited emails, phone calls, or messages.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspected scams to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) and Cornwall Council's Trading Standards team.