How to Recognise a Scam (and What to Do if You’ve Already Been Caught Out)
Scams are becoming more common in Essex, and many of them look convincing at first glance. Whether it’s a text pretending to be from the Post Office or an email claiming your Netflix account has been suspended, the goal is always the same: to trick you into handing over money or access.
As someone who regularly helps residents in Wickford, Basildon and Chelmsford clean up after these scams, here are the red flags to look out for and the steps you should take if you think you’ve been targeted.
Common scams to watch for
“Hi Dad, I’ve got a new phone, save this number” – family impersonation designed to make you act quickly.
Post Office or delivery texts – often asking for a small payment to release a parcel.
Fake account emails – warnings that your bank, PayPal or Netflix account has been suspended with a link to “log in.”
Small business scams – messages pretending to be from Meta or Google, threatening to shut down your page unless you click a link.
Cold calls offering support – scammers who convince you to let them remotely control your computer.
How to stay safe
Do not click links in texts or emails you were not expecting.
Go directly to the official website or app instead.
Never share passwords or banking codes with someone who has contacted you first.
Do not allow remote access to your PC unless you have asked for help from a trusted source.
Take a pause before acting. Scammers rely on panic and pressure.
What to do if you have already been scammed
Disconnect immediately
Turn off Wi-Fi, unplug the Ethernet cable or switch off your router. Speed matters more than shutting down properly.Do not log in to anything
Avoid banking, email or social media on the compromised device. Scammers often leave software behind that records what you type.Run a quick check, but don’t trust it fully
Antivirus scans may miss hidden monitoring tools.Change your passwords safely
Use a different device to reset your email, bank and key account passwords.Get your PC checked properly
This is the step most people miss. Scammers often leave behind hidden software that can collect data for weeks.
Local scam recovery in Essex
At LaunchLayer, I specialise in post-scam clean-ups. That means removing hidden software, securing your accounts and making sure your system is safe to use again.
If you think you have been scammed, you can book a free initial check. There is no judgement and no jargon, just clear advice and honest repairs from someone local.
