Scams Alert For Northern Ireland

An annual campaign that highlights how 'scammers' are targeting unsuspecting people by using increasingly sophisticated and manipulative tactics has been launched.

The NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster kicked-off the Trading Standards Service 2010 Scams Awareness campaign in Belfast.

New research for the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) reveals the scale of mass-marketed scams in the UK, which arrive by post, email, text, phone or the internet, and aim to mislead people to part with their cash.

It is estimated that around one in 11 adults have responded to a scam at some time in their life, of whom nearly a third lost money.

Commenting, Arlene Foster said: "Every day hundreds of people are being targeted by scammers.

"Within the last 12 months it is estimated that one in 25 adults have responded to a scam and around half of those scammed have lost more than £50.

"Through the Scam Awareness Campaign, Trading Standards hope to make individuals aware of the variety of scams out there and the lengths that con-artists will go to separate people from their hard earned money," she said.

Trading Standards Service (TSS) is now calling on the public to help combat the scammers by sending any scam mailings they receive during February to the Trading Standards Service.

Damien Doherty, TSS said: "Scams can bring real upset and misery to their victims and we want people to be on their guard and to know that help is available.

"People need to recognise the warning signs, and feel confident enough to seek advice from friends and family or from Consumerline.

"TSS is working hard with other enforcement agencies and across geographical boundaries to clamp down on scammers. Although scams are becoming ever more sophisticated and prevalent, we are determined to fight these crooks." he said.

He also noted ways to help protect from scams, suggesting that people 'Stop, think and be sceptical' and not to be rushed into sending off money to someone unknown, however plausible they might sound and even where an approach is personalised.

During Scams Awareness Month, TSS will also take roadshows across Northern Ireland to warn the public about scams.

The first is at the Westwood Centre on Monday 22 February, where TSS officers will be on hand to give advice and provide a free information pack on how to spot a scam.

Consumers who have feel that they are a victim of a scam or suspect a scam should contact Consumerline on 0845 600 6262 or 028 9025 3900 or alternatively log onto the Consumerline website at www.consumerline.org

(BMcC/GK)