Warwickshire News Mine

Warwickshire Trading Standards Service is working in partnership with the Office of Fair Trading to raise awareness of the many scams that are targeted at people of all ages and backgrounds.

In the last few months Warwickshire Trading Standards Service has received over 250 complaints from Warwickshire residents and businesses who have received some sort of scam letter, email or telephone call.

From bogus foreign lotteries and phishing emails to miracle cures and mock business advertising there are many ways in which these criminal gangs are trying to get your money.

In these tough economic times scammers are becoming more sophisticated in the ways in which they obtain information, personal details and money from people. Victims can be targeted in a number of ways; telephone, letter, email or classified adverts – and be aware, everyone and anyone is the potential victim of these scammers.

Warwickshire residents are being encouraged to take part in “Scamnesty”. From 2nd February until 16th February Warwickshire Trading Standards Service want people to send in any potential scam letters/mailings they have received. Trading standards are also keen to receive information of phising emails and potential scam telephone calls. This information will be recorded and used to investigate the scale of the problem both in Warwickshire and across the country.

Send your information to:
Scamnesty
Warwickshire County Council
Trading Standards Service
FREEPOST
Old Budbrooke Road
CV35 7DP

Email: tsnews@warwickshire.gov.uk

Warwickshire County Councillor Richard Hobbs, Portfolio Holder for Community Protection says “Often it is the elderly and vulnerable that are preyed upon but email phising scams and scams targeted at businesses are increasing.
By launching this campaign, we want to raise awareness across the county about the different methods scammers use and provide advice and guidance to people.

Avoid being Scammed – 3 rules
* Never send any money to claim a prize
* Do not give out any personal details such as your address or bank account details
* Never feel pressured to respond immediately

Further information can be found on our website: http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards  or contact
Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Link to WCC