Torfaen council are asking residents to be aware of local scammers, especially in the months leading up to the Christmas period.
Every year an estimated three million people fall victim to mass-marketed scams such as bogus lotteries, deceptive prize draws and sweepstakes, fake psychics and miracle health cures. A recent example were calls advising people that their properties had been rebranded for council tax and were due a refund, they were then asked for their bank details over the phone. Under no circumstance should you give out your personal details over the phone.
Many of these scams are sent by post, as well as by email or over the phone, and cause particular harm to the elderly and vulnerable. However, research by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) suggests that less than five per cent of victims report the scam to the authorities. If you think you’ve been a victim of a scam then you should call your local Trading Standards Team.
Councillor Gwyneira Clark, Executive Member for Housing, Planning and Public Protection said: ” It’s so important for residents to be aware of the scams that are out there. If you receive anything through the post, via email or a phone call and would like some advice then contact the Trading Standards Team on 01633 647624 who will be happy to help.”
