Be aware during Scams Awareness Month

Shropshire County Council Trading Standards are urging consumers to be extra cautious this month (February) when it comes to the unwanted mail, telephone calls and emails they receive.

Once a reply is sent to scam letters, emails or calls research has shown that many more will follow.

Joanne Kilcoyne, Shropshire County Council's senior fair trading officer, said: “February is Scams Awareness Month. Every day a consumer in Shropshire is likely to receive an unsolicited letter, email or telephone call inviting them to send money, give bank details or ring expensive telephone lines. They may say that you have won a prize, offered a once in a lifetime investment opportunity or offer to tell your fortune. Whilst some of these may be genuine, more often than not they will be scams.

"There are also reports of emails being received purporting to be from your bank or building society asking you to confirm personal details relating to your account. Information will never be asked for in this way and we strongly advise you to delete such messages.”

John Hurst-Knight, Shropshire County Council's Cabinet member for waste and economy, said: “If you receive a scam letter, email or telephone call and are unsure what to do, please seek advice from Consumer Direct on 08454 040506. Consumer Direct works in partnership with Trading Standards and the Office of Fair Trading Scambusters Team who collect information on these scammers with the aim of stopping them in their tracks. Meanwhile, the old adage remains; if it sounds too good to be true it probably is!”

8 February 2008