Most people and companies are trustworthy and legitimate, but a small minority are sneaky and want to rob you in some way.

Smell a rat if:

• The price is way too low or the offer way too high unless you believe the reason (and aren't thick).
• The other member doesn't eventually provide contact details, or evades normal questions.
• The other member doesn't want to do something that an honest person wouldn't mind.
• You're asked to do something out of the ordinary.
• Don't meet strangers on your own outside of a public place.
• Don't do a deal with someone who's eyes are too close together.

Premium Rate Scams - 070 and 09 Numbers

Be on your guard for premium rate phone scams.

If you call an 070 or 09 number, you will be charged at a minimum rate of 35p a minute (and possibly a lot more). So be careful.

If what you are calling about is too good to be true, then it's probably a scam. The 070 numbers can be made to look like a normal mobile phone number.

It's something that anyone buying or selling needs to be aware of, whether they are online or going through more traditional channels, so please spread the word.

Too good to be true!

Be careful - especially in how you respond. If they only want you to respond by e mail, they may be harvesting email addresses, the only benefit to you is cheap Viagra. It's best to be wary and use common sense.

Don't buy or sell a car internationally online.

It's probably not worth the hassle. There are companies who will do this for you, perhaps you could ask them.

If someone says that they have got your details from FindsYou and you did not give out those details, then it's a scam. We don't do anything with any data you give us. You control all that.

Be vigilant when selling or buying anything - particularly if anything seems out of the ordinary.

Important links

• Trading Standards - www.tradingstandards.gov.uk
• Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) - www.soca.gov.uk
• Other scams - www.dti.gov.uk
• Or contact your local Police Force

Please send us any other scams that you have heard of so we can post them here.