Published on:
09
February 2011
£3.5 billion! That is the estimated cost of mass marketed scams to the British public every year. Have you contributed to this? The annual Scams Awareness month of February aims to remind people to be aware of how scams operate so that they are not conned.
Consumers losing money to scams is a significant problem in the UK. Scams can take the form of bogus and fraudulent offers sent by post, telephone, email or text. Fake ticket web sites and bogus holiday clubs are also used to con people. Although anyone can fall for a scam, the elderly and vulnerable are most likely to be targeted, as they are more likely to become repeat victims. Nearly half of the UK population has been targeted by a scam and more than 3 million adults - 6.5% of the population - fall victim to a scam every year.
Stirling and Clackmannanshire Trading Standards are working with the Office of Fair Trading, Consumer Direct, Central Scotland Police, The National Fraud Authority (NFA) and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) to clamp down on scammers. This year during February boxes for collecting scam mail will be placed in local libraries/local access points and some police offices. Hugh Hamilton, Trading Standards Team Leader said: "We urge consumers to put their scam/junk mail in these boxes or send them in to Trading Standards and the information will be sent to the National Fraud Authority (NFA) and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau. . Do not respond to the mailing. You will be put on a list and be bombarded with more of this type of mail. Never give out your bank or personal details."
Stirling Council Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Environment Councillor Jim Thomson said: "£3.5 billion is a shocking figure. We want to raise awareness of these despicable types of trading practice, which often target the elderly and vulnerable. Fake lottery, prize draws, bogus psychic predictions and miracle health cures are some of the tricks they use."
Councillor Eddie Carrick, Clackmannanshire Council's Sustainability Portfolio Holder, said: "This campaign helps us to gather key information about consumer scams in the area and I urge local residents to pass on any information they can about any offers of goods or serves which appear to be too good to be true."
Scams are smart - prove you are smarter. Bin them.
For further information on Scam Awareness Month please contact Trading Standards through the Council's Contact Centre on 0845 277 7000 or email info@stirling.gov.uk