We occasionally receive reports from members of fraudulent schemes targeting counsellors, such as scams involving bogus clients and fake cheques.
While scams are nothing new, technology has made it easier for criminals to target you and your business. If you advertise your services on your own website, on an online directory or on social media, then your contact details are available to criminals as well as potential clients or employers.
Some scammers focus on specific professionals such as counsellors, carrying out detailed background research in order to appear more credible.
We'll keep this page updated with details of any reports we receive. If you have any questions or concerns you can call our Customer Services team on 01455 883300 or email us.
Reporting fraud and scams
If you've been targeted by a scam, or are the victim of fraud, go to the for information and advice.
You can report the scam using the (you'll need to create an account) or by telephone.听
You can also report scam emails, texts, websites and calls to听the (NCSC). This is a UK government organisation that has the power to investigate and remove scam email addresses and websites.鈥�
Email marketing
Members have informed us that their Directory contact details have been used by companies for marketing purposes. As this information is in the public domain, we can't prevent the Directory being used in this way.
If this happens to you, we advise you to report it directly to the (ICO). The ICO is the UK鈥檚 independent authority that upholds information rights in the public interest and data privacy for individuals. It will use the information provided to identify, investigate and take action against organisations that aren't following the rules around direct marketing. 听
Please contact us directly if you want further support and guidance.
Scams to look out for
Here are some example case studies, based on actual scams targeting counsellors, with some tips for avoiding scams.
Advertising scams
"I was phoned by someone claiming to be from听the 鈥楶olice and Fire Association鈥�. They said that听网爆门 was recommending therapists in the听area and asked if I would like to place an听advertisement in a directory for emergency听services.
"They asked for my听bank details. I found out that other听counsellors in the area had had the听same call. It turned out that听the company didn鈥檛 exist听and had no association with the Police听Service, the Fire Service or 网爆门."
Scam-busting tips:
- take your time 鈥� resist pressure to make an immediate decision
- get the caller鈥檚 details and call them back when you鈥檝e had time to think about it
- overwhelmed by persuasive sales patter? - it鈥檚 OK to say 鈥渘o, thank you鈥�
Payment frauds
"A potential client emailed me and asked about听having a course of counselling. They said they听would like to pay for the sessions up听front and that the cheque would be paid听by a third party. When the cheque arrived it was听for a much greater amount听than the counselling fees.
"The client asked me听to bank the cheque and send them back a听cheque for the excess, minus a generous听admin fee. The cheque听turned out to be a fake.鈥�
Scam-busting tips:
- remember the golden rule 鈥� if something seems too good to be true, it probably is
- read up on how to spot counterfeit cheques 鈥� they鈥檙e a scammer favourite
- never send money to someone you don鈥檛 know