On 26rd January 2026 we were presented a talk by Sonia Robinson from Trading Standards entitled “Scams and Rogue Traders” which set out the role of Oxfordshire Trading Standards and how to protect oneself.
On 23rd January 2026 we were presented a talk by Sonia Robinson from Trading Standards entitled “Scams and Rogue Traders”.
Types of Scams
- Phishing (email scams)
- Smishing (text/SMS scams)
- Vishing (phone call scams)
- Fake invoices & payment requests
- Account takeover / password reset scams
- Prize, lottery & giveaway scams
- Romance & social engineering scams
- Job & business opportunity scams
- Tech support scams
- Impersonation scams
We were provided with examples of some of these and offered advice on how to deal with them.
How to report a scam
Email: forward phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Text: report scam texts to 7726.
Websites: report to the National Cyber Security Centre https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website
Phone call: report suspicious phone calls to Action Fraud www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. Register on Telephone Preference Service by calling 0345 070 0707.
Banking Details: If you think you have shared your banking details contact your bank immediately by calling 159, the operator will transfer you directly to your bank - and report to Action Fraud www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
How to deal with Rogue Traders
Sonia also set out the challenges of rogue traders
Finding reliable traders: Oxfordshire Trading standards can provide details of reliable traders for your house and garden needs - Phone 01865 519 800 or visit buywithconfidence.gov.uk
Concern that others are being targeted: If you are worried someone you know is being targeted you can phone Citizen’s Advice -0808223 1133 or email communityengagement@oxfordshire.gov.uk.
Doorstep crime: To report suspicious activity or if in immediate danger call 999. Or report using https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/reporting-a-scam/ or phone 0808 223 1133.