Common types of scams
Some of the most common types of scams include:
- Parking fine scams - a new scam about unpaid parking fines is circulating. Please check carefully before paying your parking fine, and if you're unsure, please email ParkingServices@rochdale.gov.uk.
- Ofgem energy saving scam warning - scammers may sometimes contact you pretending to be from Ofgem and may try to suggest you switch energy suppliers and ask for your bank details or offer rebates. These are energy scams. Ofgem would never sell you energy, ask for personal information or come to your property. Ofgem has reported that scammers are sending emails and text messages appearing to be from energy suppliers or Ofgem itself offering rebates.
- Phishing - an email scam where you appear to get a message from a legitimate source, such as your bank, building society or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The email usually contains a link to a fake website that collects your personal information and credit or debit card details.
- Investment scams and pension scams - you're encouraged to hand over money or part of your pension to invest in a company or a product that does not exist.
- Pharming - fraudsters create a fake version of a website where you go to and put in your login details and personal information without realising it.
- Door to door scams - someone knocks on your door and fraudulently takes your money, such as by pretending to be a charity collector or salesperson.
- Dating scams - using online dating websites, scammers communicate with you over a period of time. Once they're confident they've gained your trust, they'll tell you about a problem they have and ask you for financial help.
- Council Tax and Business Rates scams - please remember we do not send texts relating to Council Tax and benefits.