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15/02/2006
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)
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)
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Scam Scam, and More Scam As NI Loses Millions
Over £100 million is lost in Northern Ireland every year from scams, according to government research. Every year, thousands of bargain hungry consumers fall victim to mass marketed scams such as bogus lotteries, deceptive prize draws and sweepstakes, fake psychics, get-rich-quick schemes and miracle health cures.
Scam Scam, and More Scam As NI Loses Millions
Over £100 million is lost in Northern Ireland every year from scams, according to government research. Every year, thousands of bargain hungry consumers fall victim to mass marketed scams such as bogus lotteries, deceptive prize draws and sweepstakes, fake psychics, get-rich-quick schemes and miracle health cures.
09 March 2011
Gig-Goers Warned Of Online Scams
Gig-goers and sports fans have been warned not to be conned by the increasing number of sophisticated fake ticketing sites that are appearing online. The Trading Standards Service (TSS) is warning that, in the last six months, it has received approximately 50 complaints from consumers after buying tickets from rogue websites.
Gig-Goers Warned Of Online Scams
Gig-goers and sports fans have been warned not to be conned by the increasing number of sophisticated fake ticketing sites that are appearing online. The Trading Standards Service (TSS) is warning that, in the last six months, it has received approximately 50 complaints from consumers after buying tickets from rogue websites.
28 May 2009
Car Sale 'Scam' Warning Issued
Trading Standards officers in Northern Ireland are warning consumers about so-called vehicle matching scams. Vehicle matching scams work by promising to 'match' consumers who are selling their cars, with definite buyers. Typically, the seller is 'cold-called' by telephone, having placed an advertisement in a magazine, website or newspaper.
Car Sale 'Scam' Warning Issued
Trading Standards officers in Northern Ireland are warning consumers about so-called vehicle matching scams. Vehicle matching scams work by promising to 'match' consumers who are selling their cars, with definite buyers. Typically, the seller is 'cold-called' by telephone, having placed an advertisement in a magazine, website or newspaper.
28 March 2007
Cross border scams go under the spotlight
Mass marketing scams were the focus of discussion by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) in Dublin yesterday. DETI’s Trading Standards Service and Consumerline attended the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) Cross Border Scams Conference, alongside a number of European consumer protection agencies engaged in tackling such practice.
Cross border scams go under the spotlight
Mass marketing scams were the focus of discussion by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) in Dublin yesterday. DETI’s Trading Standards Service and Consumerline attended the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) Cross Border Scams Conference, alongside a number of European consumer protection agencies engaged in tackling such practice.
11 February 2013
Public Warned Against Slimming Scam
The Northern Ireland public is being warned against accepting offers of slimming products that claim to be on a 'free trial basis'. Consumers have reported to the Trading Standards Service (TSS) online offers for a free sample weight loss product online, which claimed customers would only pay for postage and packaging.
Public Warned Against Slimming Scam
The Northern Ireland public is being warned against accepting offers of slimming products that claim to be on a 'free trial basis'. Consumers have reported to the Trading Standards Service (TSS) online offers for a free sample weight loss product online, which claimed customers would only pay for postage and packaging.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
