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.

Scamming has become a sophisticated practice of late, and a multi-million pound business.

The Office of Fair Trading estimates that 1,388,000 UK consumers fall victim to prize draw and sweepstake scams, 400,000 to bogus holiday clubs, 330,000 to work at home scams, 200,000 to miracle health scams, 170,000 to clairvoyant and psychic scams and 110,000 to loan scams.

Many of these scams are sent through the post, as well as by e-mail, text, and over the phone. The research suggests that fewer than 5% of victims report being caught out by a scam to the authorities due to the embarrassment of falling foul of a fraud.

February is Scams Awareness Month for 2008 and Trading Standards Service (TSS) has launched a campaign to help consumers by giving them the knowledge and skills they need to recognise, report and combat scams.

As part of Scams Awareness Month, TSS are asking consumers to collect any scam mailings they receive during February and send them in to the Trading Standards Service at 176 Newtownbreda Road, Belfast, BT8 6QS.

Trading Standards Officer Kevin McNamara said: “The people who run these scams are clever, sophisticated and well versed in the ways of getting us to part with our money. There’s a scam out there for everyone.

"If you let your guard down and think you won’t be fooled, then you too could become a victim. If you discover a scam or suspect a scam, tell friends and family and contact Consumerline on 0845 600 6262.”

(DW)