Scams - too good to be true?

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Renfrewshire Council launches a campaign to stamp out scams.

The fraudulent tactics undertaken by conmen and scammers will be the focus of this year’s Renfrewshire Consumer Week (24-28 April).

In partnership with the Office of Fair Trading, Renfrewshire Council’s Trading Standards service will launch a week-long drive to urge all residents, and senior citizens in particular, to avoid getting sucked into scams. Trading Standards staff will host an information stand from Monday 24th to Friday 28th April at the Piazza in Paisley. During the week, staff will be on hand to give out leaflets and information on how to recognise a scam and how to protect yourself against falling victim to scams. They will also be available to give advice on what your consumer rights are when you purchase goods and services.

UK consumers lose an estimated £1billion a year to scams. The most common scams include fake lotteries, prize draws, get rich quick schemes and premium rate telephone scams.

Gilbert Wilson, Head of Consumer Services at Renfrewshire Council’s Environmental Services Department, said: ”Our aim is to stamp out scams by arming people with the knowledge and skills to recognise and report them.

“A scam is basically an underhand scheme to trick people out of their cash and it can take many forms. Our advice is to trust your instincts. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

The advice to people from theTrading Standards service is never to send money or give personal details to anyone until you’ve checked them out and talked to a professional, family or friends. However, they are keen to stress that no one is immune from scammers and that anyone could be conned. Members of the public who are concerned about scams are encouraged to contact Renfrewshire'sTrading Standards service on 0141 840 3184. Scam awareness information packs are available fromTrading Standards at the same number.

Press Release: Monday 24 April 2006