We all know that scams and frauds are on the rise. Unfortunately Lions Clubs International is not immune from being the target, and we are aware that our name has been used by unscrupulous individuals seeking to defraud Lions and members of the public.

If you or anyone you know receives calls, letters, or online messages purporting to be from Lions Clubs International or any Lions Club, please be aware of the following:

We would never ask anyone seeking a grant from Lions Clubs International or from any Lions Club to make any payment to secure a Lions grant. Anyone contacting you on the telephone, by letter, or online and offering a Lions grant in exchange for a fee or advance payment to secure a Lions grant or voucher is doing so fraudulently, and you should not proceed with the matter.

Remember the advice of Action Fraud:

1. Be vigilant of unsolicited calls, texts, or social media messages, asking for your personal or financial details, and don’t automatically click on the links in unexpected emails.
2. Remember, legitimate organisations will never contact you out of the blue and ask for your financial details, such as your PIN, banking passwords or card details. If you receive a call you are not expecting, hang up and contact the company directly using a known email or phone number.
3. If you think you have been a victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via www.actionfraud.police.uk. If you’re in Scotland, report a scam through Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or on the Advice Direct Scotland website. 
4. If you wish to seek further help, contact Citizens Advice Scams Action via the Citizens Advice website, or call its Scams Action helpline on 0808 250 5050. Alternatively, you can contact the Financial Conduct Authority’s helpline on 0800 111 6768.

 For further advice on spotting and avoiding scams and frauds, see the following websites:

 *   Age UK: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/scams-fraud/
 *   Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/check-if-something-might-be-a-scam/
 *   UK Government: www.gov.uk/government/publications/frauds-tricks-and-scams/fraud-tricks-and-scams