"Scamnesty" to seek out the fraudsters

"Scamnesty" to seek out the fraudsters

Residents in Sutton are being urged to take part in “Scamnesty 2011” and fight back against fraudsters that cost people in the borough millions of pounds a year.

Every year, an estimated three million people in the UK fall victim to mass-marketed scams such as bogus lotteries and prize draws, fake psychics, get-rich-quick schemes and miracle health cures.

Many of these are sent through the post, as well as by email or over the phone, often targeting the elderly and vulnerable.

Now people in Sutton are being asked to collect any potential scam mailings they may have received recently and drop them in a designated "Scamnesty" box at the Civic Offices.

Trading Standards officers will examine the contents of the bin to get a better idea of which scams are in circulation.

Cllr Simon Wales, Sutton Council’s Executive Member for Communities, Transport and Voluntary Sector, said: “Any scam mailings that are dropped in the bin could be vital in gathering intelligence on the latest scams and in stopping the worst offenders from continuing to bring misery to thousands of vulnerable people each year.

“Unfortunately often the first we hear of scam mailings is the horror stories of how people have received offers of money or prizes and sent off cheques.

“Sadly, in the current economic climate many households may be more vulnerable to scams and their promises of 'easy money. The basic message is: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”  

The bin will be located in the reception area of the Civic Offices in St Nicholas Way throughout February.

Nearly half of the UK adult population has been targeted by a scam, and more than three million adults - one in 15 people - fall victim to scams, losing a total of £3.5 billion every year.

The Scamnesty campaign, which is run by the Office of Fair Trading and supported by Sutton Trading Standards, is part of the ongoing work to build awareness of scams. 

If you have been the victim of a scam, or you suspect a scam, call Consumer Direct for clear, practical advice on 08454 04 05 06 or visit http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/watch_out/|

Trading standards advice on scams
Stop, think and be sceptical. If something sounds too good to be true it probably is.  
Don’t be rushed into sending off money to someone you don’t know, however plausible they might sound and even where an approach is personalised.
Ask yourself how likely it is that you’ve been especially chosen for this offer thousands of other people will probably have received the same offer.
Think about how much money you could lose from replying to a potential scam - it's not a gamble worth taking.
If you’re unsure of an offer, speak to family or friends and seek advice from Consumer Direct before sending any money or giving out any banking or credit card details.