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News

Trading Standards to Make a Clean Sweep of Scams

National Consumer Week (20 -24 November) sees the launch of Scam Wise South West, a major campaign throughout the region to stop people being conned by rogue traders and scammers.

The Borough of Poole’s Environmental & Consumer Protection Services (E&CPS), together with colleagues in Bournemouth Borough Council and 13 other Local Authorities across the South West, are urging the public to get “Scam Wise” and not to fall victim to rogue traders or to any of the millions of cons and frauds sent out every year.

Lucy Magill, Regulatory Services Manager for E&CPS, said: “Our officers regularly receive complaints about rogue traders ripping people off in their own homes or people who’ve lost £1000’s responding to fraudulent lotteries, investment schemes, etc. Scam Wise is designed to raise awareness of the issue and we’re distributing a series of regional materials targeted at the many different types of scams that are around.”

E&CPS claim that 1 in 3 of us have already been, or will be, targeted by the fraudsters this year. Laid end-to-end that’s easily enough scam mail to completely surround both Poole and Bournemouth Boroughs. Just last week E&CPS were informed about a mailing claiming to be from debt collectors asking for payment of a non existent £200 debt and a local business targeted in a £1600 cheque fraud.

Councillor Don Collier, Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “These fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated and they aim to con us all if we’re not Scam Wise. Many scams also target businesses. They might be through the post, by email, over the telephone or on the doorstep.  Scammers are hardly ever local to their victims and often based outside the UK but we are working together and sharing intelligence with the Police.  People have a right to feel safe from fraud in their own homes and we hope Scam Wise will help to protect them.”

If you think you’ve been scammed already or want confidential advice phone Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Lisa Gaskell, Communications, Borough of Poole, Tel: 01202 633060