As part of Scams Awareness Month, Cardiff’s Trading Standards is raising awareness on scams, which come in a variety of forms and can cause significant distress and financial loss to people affected.
Often those who are targeted are the most vulnerable in our society and can take many forms including fraudulent online dating websites; investment scams; lottery scams; “phishing” emails and “vishing” phone calls designed to obtain personal information to extort money illegally.
Every year more than three million people in the UK fall victims to scams and it is estimated that nearly half of people in the UK (48 per cent) have been targeted. Online shopping and auction scams were the most common fraud reported in 2013 and cost UK consumers £63.6 million. Approximately five per cent of people in the UK report scams to the authorities – a statistic which the authorities are looking to change by providing information and advice.
Unfortunately those who fall victim to these scams become targets for other scams and may continue to respond in the hope to receive financial reward. Given this, Trading Standards officers will be visiting known victims.
Other planned events include visiting banks to speak to customers and bank staff about the potential pitfalls of sending money via money transfer methods such as those provided by Western Union or MoneyGram. These methods should only be used when sending money to a trusted known source, as it is impossible to trace the money after it has been sent.
Councillor Bob Derbyshire, Cabinet Member for the Environment said, “Vulnerable individuals are not the only people who can fall victim to the scammers. Bogus websites, spoofed payment services and copying well known company names or brands to extort money from people are widely used – so anyone can get caught out. The message of this campaign is for people to get advice if they suspect or fall victim to a scam and please report it to the authorities that can help.”
The top tips for dealing with scams are:
- If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
- If you haven’t bought a lottery ticket – you can’t win it.
- You shouldn’t have to pay anything to get a prize.
- If in doubt, don’t reply. Bin it, delete it or hang up.
- Persuasive sales patter? Just say “No thank you”.
- Contacted out of the blue – be suspicious.
- Never give out your bank details unless you are certain you can trust the person contacting you.
- Take your time – resist any pressure to make a decision straight away.
- Never send money to someone you don’t know.
- Walk away from job ads that ask for money in advance.
- Your bank will never attend your home.
- Your bank and the police will never collect your bank card.
- Your bank and the police will never ask for your PIN.
- Computer firms do not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer.
- Don’t suffer in silence – tell others about scams.
If you are a victim of, wish to report a scam or would like free consumer advice contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06 or 08454 04 05 05 (Cymraeg) or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk.
Online advice is available at www.adviceguide.org.uk.
Consumers are also advised to look out for info on Twitter about Scams Awareness Month #scamaware.
