Doncaster MBC Scamnesty 2009

Stay one step ahead with 'SCAMNESTY' 2009

Doncaster Council is running an awareness month to remind residents of the perils of mass marketed scams. Every year 3.2 million people or one in 15 people in the UK lose money to these schemes, which include bogus foreign lotteries, deceptive prize draws, fake clairvoyants/psychics and miracle health cures.

1 in 15 people lose out to SCAMS! In conjunction with Scams Awareness Month, an international campaign held every February; the council's Trading Standards team will work with the Office of Fair Trading to run a range of activities aimed at getting the issue talked about. The information received from consumers also provides intelligence to prevent and keep track of new scams.

Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Exelby said;
"These scams bring misery to millions of people every year. Those who fall victim not only lose their money but are also often too frightened to tell anyone. We want those who are caring for someone to be able to spot the warning signs before it is too late."

Although anyone can fall for a scam, it is the elderly and vulnerable who are likely to be most affected. These scams target people in their own homes either by post, over the phone or by email. Once someone has responded to a scam they are at risk of becoming repeat victims and are often bombarded with phone calls and mailings until their savings are gone.
This year the council's Trading Standards in Doncaster will work alongside local agencies that provide care in the home and at day centres to help raise awareness amongst carers and care professionals about the problem. This will help them identify consumers who may be at risk and highlight how to recognise the many different scams and operations. Friends, neighbours or relatives of vulnerable people should also be on the alert and make sure they too know how to spot the fraudsters.
Drop them in it!

Click Here for more information about 'Scams'. If yourself, or anyone you know or care for has been the victim of a scam let Trading Standards know by calling Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.

A free booklet on recognising scams is also available which can be collected in person from:
The Council House
College Road
Doncaster
DN1 1RN

or by ringing:
Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06

Copyright © Doncaster MBC 2008 Doncaster MBC, Trading Standards & Licensing, PO Box 257, The Council House, College Road, Doncaster, S Yorks, DN1 1RN
Telephone Consumer Direct: 08454 04 05 06 or go on line at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk