Dear Neighbourhood/Home Watch member,

At the Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network office we often get phone calls or emails asking for advice about scams. 

We always advise anyone who suspects a scam, or who has been the victim of a scam, to report it to the police on www.actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040.  However, it is always better to take preventative action where possible and it is good to know what to look for to avoid being taken in, as well as to advise friends and family members when necessary.

The charity Think Jessica (www.thinkjessica.com) provides a lot of useful advice about scams.  Their 12-page booklet, 'Scam mail is blackmail', is particularly useful and covers: lottery and prize draw scams, clairvoyant scams, catalogue scams, courier scams, bank / building society scams and more.  You can order a free hard copy of this booklet by writing to:
Think Jessica
PO Box 4442
Chesterfield S44 9AS
(Please enclose a 2nd class stamp)
Or by emailing advice@thinkjessica.com.

They also provide information packs, including a DVD, which cost £7 per pack, and free downloadable posters which you can access at www.thinkjessica.com/posters.htm.

For a cost they will supply bulk orders to a group or organisation, which can be personalised with your logo and local contact details if you wish - contact Think Jessica at the address above or on advice@thinkjessica.com to discuss your requirements.

Best wishes,

Catherine Dunn
Campaigns, Events & Database Manager (NHWN)