For our 2026 Scams Awareness Campaign, which runs alongside Cybersecurity Awareness Month every October, our focus is on helping consumers recognise the warning signs and stay #ScamAware of rogue traders.

Citizens Advice tracks scam trends. The most common types of scam seen in recent years include doorstep scams, in which bogus traders offer services such as driveway repairs, roofing or gardening and take payment for work that is never done or done poorly.

From half-finished jobs to dodgy extensions – Citizens Advice is arming consumers with expert advice, after receiving more than 700 complaints a weekabout home improvements gone wrong.

“According to Citizens Advice research, more than seven million people across the UK were personally deceived by a scam in the past year. Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and can cause serious financial and emotional harm.”

Earlier this year, East Sussex County Council’s Trading Standards team investigated a rogue roofer who carried out unnecessary, overpriced and substandard work. Two Eastbourne residents were charged £8,000 and £43,000 respectively. The trader was later sentenced to more than 5 years in prison

Thinking of hiring a trader?

Be cautious if a tradesperson turns up uninvited, pointing out serious repairs you had no idea you needed doing or offering cheap cash deals.

Rogue traders use special, high-pressure tactics to force quick, expensive decisions before you can do your research. For example, they may make excuses like they have to move on to another job very soon. They may say they’re doing some work locally, but you cannot go round and see their work.

A legitimate professional will always give you time to consider your options and supply a written quote or contract.

7 current scams in Eastbourne:

1: QR code parking scams

Eastbourne Borough Council (EBC) is urgently warning drivers about a fake QR code scam (‘quishing’). There have been QR code stickers placed over official parking meters and signs which steal card details, particularly around the Beachy Head area.

2: Fake local event stalls

Sussex Crimewatch has warned that scammers may be found advertising a non-existent Christmas fair around the Stone Cross area in Eastbourne. They are offering stall spaces for local crafters and charging around £60 per table before disappearing. The scammers seem to use several different identities across different platforms. This has become a nationally-recognised threat.

3: Door-to-door drain scam

The BBC has reported that Sussex Police issued an urgent warning after fraudsters posing as council workers stole over £35,000 from older residents across East Sussex in June 2026 alone. They have been demanding bank cards and PINs for fake drain repairs. The scam is said to involve two men knocking at residents’ doors stating there is an issue with drainage or sewage in the area.

4: Escalating romance fraud

Sussex Police have launched a targeted Romance Fraud Awareness campaign across Eastbourne and Sussex. Scammers have been creating fake profiles on dating apps or social media, or reaching out via ‘accidental’ wrong-number WhatsApp/SMS messages. Sussex is said to rank among the worst hotspots in the UK for this type of crime.

5. Private school fee scams

The Times and The Sunday Times warn fraudsters have targeted parents at Eastbourne College with fake emails offering discounted school fees if paid upfront, using convincing invoices to redirect funds. One parent at Eastbourne College was emailed a tempting offer: pay two terms upfront and get 20% off fees. This has become a nationally-recognised threat.

6. Fake driving lessons

Sussex Police have warned of fraudsters selling fake driving lesson bulk packages to people in our area recently, through social media scams and forged websites.

7. Caller ID spoofing scam

The Eastbourne Herald and Gazette reported last month that criminals are posing as Sussex Police to steal personal information over the phone. Fraudsters are using ‘spoofing’ software to display the police 101 non-emergency number on caller ID screens to appear genuine.

Autumn Seasonal Reminders

As we enter the final quarter of 2026, it is useful to have a reminder of common scams that occur around this time.

• Students and their families are targets for scams relating to loans and tuitions, UCAS fraud, rental fraud as well as financial exploitation
• Police have seen an increase in criminals offering cash for individuals accepting parcels
• Investment scams continue to rise as fraudsters promise guaranteed returns through cryptocurrency, get-rich-quick schemes and pension unlocking

An increasing number of scams are spread through social media platforms.

You can read advice on how students can protect themselves from cybercrime and fraud on reportfraud.police.uk.