Consumers warned about mass-market scams

The Trading Standards Service has today warned both businesses and consumers to be on the look out for dangerous and costly mass-market scams.

This warning comes during scam awareness month, which commenced on February 1 and aims to show people how to recognise scammers and know what to do if they suspect they are being conned.

It has been estimated that around £1 billion is lost through swindles and almost 20 million people in the UK are targeted.

Scam awareness month aims to equip the public with the knowledge and skills necessary to avoid falling victim.

The Office of Fair Trading, the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs in the Republic, along with UK law enforcement agencies have joined forces with the TSS to create a 'Scambusters' team to target the main and most dangerous of mass-marketing schemes.

Today, the Scam Enforcement Group met in Armagh City Hotel to discuss potential ideas in order to tackle the perpetrators and combat the impact their sophisticated scams are having on businesses and consumers.

David Livingstone, Head of Trading Standards Service said: “It is important for consumers to be vigilant all year round when it comes to scams. ‘Scammers’ are getting more sophisticated and it is their aim to con us all. “’Scammers’ target every single one of us, so if you are unsure about the authenticity of an offer and it seems too good to be true, it usually is."

Consumers should report scams to Consumerline on 0845 600 6262 or log on to www.consumerline.org for more information.

Christine Wade, Director of Consumer Regulation Enforcement at the OFT, said: “As communications systems get more sophisticated and we become increasingly part of a global market place, the threat from rogue traders and scams is increasing. Coordinated efforts are vital in tackling scams and we are pleased to be working in partnership with the TSS.”

Some things to look out for to prevent yourself from falling victim to the scammers are; to look out for foreign or PO Box addresses, watch out for the trader defending himself before he is attacked, always read the small print and never give out your credit card or bank details.

(EF/SP)