Trading Standards encourage fight back against scammers

With the credit crunch biting, Trading Standards are encouraging Monmouthshire residents to fight back against scammers.

Every year, around 3 million people fall victim to scams such as bogus lotteries, deceptive prize draws and get rich quick schemes. Scams target the elderly and vulnerable and are received through the post, email, phone and even text message.

Working with Trading Standards, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) have launched a nationwide ‘Scamnesty' campaign. The idea is for residents to collect any potential scam mailings they have recently received and drop them into ‘Scamnesty' bins.

From 2nd to 15th February, ‘Scamnesty' bins will be in the One Stop Shops in Caldicot, Chepstow, Abergavenny and Monmouth and in the libraries.

Sue Hollin, Monmouthshire County Council's Consumer Advice and Education Officer, is keen for residents to get involved:

"Scammers use clever techniques to persuade people into parting with often large sums of money. We want to raise awareness of the issue and help prevent people being scammed in the first place.  You could help us stop the scammers just by dropping in your letters."

Mike Haley, OFT Director of Consumer Protection, said:

‘We want the public to help us beat the scammers by taking part in Scamnesty.  The mailings collected will be vital in helping us gather intelligence on the latest scams and in stopping the worst offenders from continuing to bring misery to thousands of vulnerable people each year.'

If you have received a possible scam:

*        ‘Stop, think and think again'

*        Do not send any money

*        Does it sound ‘too good to be true'?

*        Seek advice from friends and family

If you suspect a scam, call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk