Menu
09/02/2005
OFT scheme to crack down on scams
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has launched a scheme to help customers spot scams and avoid being 'taken in' by fraudsters.
A month-long campaign has been launched to help educate consumers about mass-marketed scams received via e-mail, post or telephone calls.
The OFT said a number of scams have been used to deceive consumers, such as fake lotteries, prize draws and pyramid or investment schemes. However, the campaign aims to make people aware of the number of common elements these schemes share, including tempting offers of easy money-making opportunities; requests for bank details or money upfront before claiming a 'prize'; using premium rate phone numbers; and trying to make consumers purchase something before collecting a 'prize'.
The OFT also warned against unsolicited e-mails, phone calls or letters offering prizes or 'get rich quick' schemes, because lists of names and addresses can be easily bought and sold.
The campaign, which the OFT is running in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, will distribute half a million leaflets, containing advice on identifying scams, through libraries, community groups and police stations. It follows the release of a report detailing the top ten scams targeted at UK consumers by the OFT last week.
Penny Boys, OFT executive Director, said: "Our campaign aims to equip consumers with the skills and knowledge to recognise scams, whatever their form and so prevent themselves and others from falling victim to persuasive and manipulative approaches."
Gerry, Sutcliffe, DTI Consumer Minister, said: "Too many people are ripped off by scams, losing money and unintentionally lining the pockets of these crooks. I am delighted to support the OFT's campaign to highlight the problem of scams and how consumers can avoid becoming victims."
(KmcA)
A month-long campaign has been launched to help educate consumers about mass-marketed scams received via e-mail, post or telephone calls.
The OFT said a number of scams have been used to deceive consumers, such as fake lotteries, prize draws and pyramid or investment schemes. However, the campaign aims to make people aware of the number of common elements these schemes share, including tempting offers of easy money-making opportunities; requests for bank details or money upfront before claiming a 'prize'; using premium rate phone numbers; and trying to make consumers purchase something before collecting a 'prize'.
The OFT also warned against unsolicited e-mails, phone calls or letters offering prizes or 'get rich quick' schemes, because lists of names and addresses can be easily bought and sold.
The campaign, which the OFT is running in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, will distribute half a million leaflets, containing advice on identifying scams, through libraries, community groups and police stations. It follows the release of a report detailing the top ten scams targeted at UK consumers by the OFT last week.
Penny Boys, OFT executive Director, said: "Our campaign aims to equip consumers with the skills and knowledge to recognise scams, whatever their form and so prevent themselves and others from falling victim to persuasive and manipulative approaches."
Gerry, Sutcliffe, DTI Consumer Minister, said: "Too many people are ripped off by scams, losing money and unintentionally lining the pockets of these crooks. I am delighted to support the OFT's campaign to highlight the problem of scams and how consumers can avoid becoming victims."
(KmcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 February 2009
'Scamnesty' Launch As New Figures Reveal Top Scams
The OFT has today launched its 2009 Scams Awareness Month to raise awareness of mass marketed scams, which cost the UK public £3.5billion a year. Every year an estimated three million UK consumers fall victim to scams sent by post, email, text, the phone and internet, the Office of Fair Trading said.
'Scamnesty' Launch As New Figures Reveal Top Scams
The OFT has today launched its 2009 Scams Awareness Month to raise awareness of mass marketed scams, which cost the UK public £3.5billion a year. Every year an estimated three million UK consumers fall victim to scams sent by post, email, text, the phone and internet, the Office of Fair Trading said.
15 October 2003
New agreement to see crackdown on international scams
A new level of co-operation to crack down on the menace of international scams has been announced by the Department of Trade and Industry. UK consumers have in the past fallen victim to bogus Canadian lottery scams, and dubious e-mail approaches urging people to part with their money often originate from overseas, the department said.
New agreement to see crackdown on international scams
A new level of co-operation to crack down on the menace of international scams has been announced by the Department of Trade and Industry. UK consumers have in the past fallen victim to bogus Canadian lottery scams, and dubious e-mail approaches urging people to part with their money often originate from overseas, the department said.
26 March 2004
OFT urges consumers to shop around for savings
Consumers are being urged to use their spending power – and shop around, not just in terms of price but also after-sales service, delivery terms, and any extras that might be offered by retailers. An Office of Fair Trading (OFT) campaign is encouraging consumers to explore their options, and not to simply accept the first thing that is offered.
OFT urges consumers to shop around for savings
Consumers are being urged to use their spending power – and shop around, not just in terms of price but also after-sales service, delivery terms, and any extras that might be offered by retailers. An Office of Fair Trading (OFT) campaign is encouraging consumers to explore their options, and not to simply accept the first thing that is offered.
10 February 2009
Be Wary Of Increase In Internet Scams OFT Warns
The Office of Fair Trading and Get Safe Online have joined forces to urge internet users to be vigilant against online fraudsters as recent research shows that online scams are on the increase. The warning comes as part of the OFT's Scams Awareness Month, an annual campaign aimed at providing consumers with information to spot and avoid scams.
Be Wary Of Increase In Internet Scams OFT Warns
The Office of Fair Trading and Get Safe Online have joined forces to urge internet users to be vigilant against online fraudsters as recent research shows that online scams are on the increase. The warning comes as part of the OFT's Scams Awareness Month, an annual campaign aimed at providing consumers with information to spot and avoid scams.
11 October 2004
Global cooperation needed to stop spam scams, says OFT
Global cooperation on network security, law enforcement and heightened consumer awareness is needed to help shield internet users from spam, according to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).
Global cooperation needed to stop spam scams, says OFT
Global cooperation on network security, law enforcement and heightened consumer awareness is needed to help shield internet users from spam, according to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
