TAKE a stand against heartless scams which ruin lives – that is the message from the county council ahead of a national awareness day.
Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards has revealed how vulnerable victims have fallen foul of cons, including someone who parted with £1million to a fake lottery company.
Other recent scams include bogus healthcare sales visits where the vulnerable are tricked into buying unnecessary mobility aids, and bogus Royal Mail emails which install harmful software onto people’s computers.
The council is encouraging potential victims and those who may care for them to identify, prevent and report these crimes, and to spread awareness as part of National Safeguarding Day (Monday February 29).
Safety spokesman Coun John Horner said: “Every year UK residents are losing an average of £9billion to scams and many of these victims also suffer devastating psychological effects.
“Our Trading Standards Service has been working with postal services to identify vulnerable scam victims living in Warwickshire, offer them and their family’s practical assistance to prevent further losses and to raise awareness, helping people to protect themselves.”
Coun Philip Johnson, Chair of the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee, added: “By supporting National Safeguarding Day, Warwickshire Trading Standards wants to increase reporting by raising awareness of this crime. Play your part and take a stand against scams by being aware of how to spot one.”
Here are some things to look out for:
- Out of the blue phone calls, letters and emails
- Being asked to send money to claim a prize
- Being told of winnings when a competition wasn’t entered
- Too good to be true offers
- Pressure selling
- Uninvited door step callers
- Being asked share your personal details
- Secrecy.
Trading Standards will be running scam awareness events at local bank branches in the coming weeks.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams to keep up to date with the latest scams news.
If you suspect a scam or think you or someone you know has been a victim of one, report it to the Citizens Consumer Advice Helpline on 03454 04 05 06.
