Dealing with scams and doorstep callers Experience indicates that in periods of vulnerability people may be targeted by unscrupulous individuals. The aim of this information is not to alarm you, but to raise your awareness and to help you deal with any potentially suspicious contacts. Dealing with scams If you receive an unexpected letter, phone call, email or visit, be cautious, it could be a scam!
Scam attempts typically start with someone making contact ‘out of the blue’.
Making provision for pets Every year thousands of people die without making provision for their pets. This can often cause a difficult and distressing problem for families and friends who are responsible for the deceased person’s estate. There is also some research to suggest that pets suffer from the loss of a loved one. The law treats pets as property and this means provision for them can be made in a will. By making provision it means that in the event of your death your pets can be looked after in the way that you would like.
The scammers can be extremely convincing.
They will often pressure you to make a quick decision.
Their aim is to catch you ‘off guard’, to win your trust, and to take your money.
Scammers will often:
• Send letters falsely claiming you have won a lottery or prize draw • Offer bogus investment opportunities • Claim to be psychics or clairvoyants • Pose as individuals seeking romance • Send official looking emails containing false web links • Claim to be calling from an internet provider or Microsoft • Claim to be trusted officials such as Police Officers or bank security staff
Several animal charities run schemes.
The hallmarks of a scam include:
The RSPCA has a free scheme called “Home for Life”. Where a pet has been signed up for the service the RSPCA promises to find a suitable and loving new home as soon as they can after the owner’s death. To find out more visit: www.homeforlife.org.uk. The Dogs Trust runs a similar Canine Care Card scheme. The charity pledges that if a person dies their dog will be taken into care at one of its rehoming centres. They will then do their best to find the dog a new home. To find out more visit: www.dogstrust.org.uk. If you find yourself suddenly responsible for a pet because someone has died, the RSPCA are always willing to offer advice and support. To find out more visit: www.rspca.org.uk.
• Pressure to act quickly or keep their contact a secret • Attempts to obtain confidential information such as pin numbers • Requests to transfer money or hand over bank cards or cash • Offers that sound too good to be true
Always remember:
• Never disclose security details, such as your PIN or full password • Don’t assume the person contacting you is genuine
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Bereavement Guide
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