Trading standards starts crackdown on mail swindlers

The city council is taking part in a month-long campaign starting today aimed at identifying criminals behind a range of scams.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) estimates that in the UK more than three million people a year fall victim to a scam after being targeted by phone, post or email.

Typical scams include victims being told that they have won a competition or lottery, or that there is a miracle cure for a health problem.

Often they end up paying for a service or prize that is never received.

The OFT has launched a scams enforcement group which is dedicated to tackling the problem, and anyone who believes they have been targeted can drop their suspect mail off at collection boxes at any of the council's nine customer service centres.

Each item will then be investigated.

Coun Mike Ross, portfolio holder for community safety at the council, said: "There is the potential for anyone to become a victim of a scam, but older people and the vulnerable are particularly at risk.

"Anyone who responds could also find themselves on a so- called 'suckers' list, which is sold on to other scammers."

People dropping off mail would help the OFT and the council's trading standards team to investigate the claims which would potentially help to stop other people being cheated, added Coun Ross.

Mail can also be deposited at the authority's trading standards advice centre in Bond Street.

City trading standards officer Mike Pindar added: "The message from the council and the OFT is simple – 'drop in to drop them in it'. Everything we receive is treated in the strictest of confidence.

"It is easy for people to be caught off guard. The people behind the scams are clever and the scams themselves can be very sophisticated and persuasive.

"Scam letters and emails are often individualised and give the appearance that they come from a trustworthy source. As the saying goes, 'if it looks too good to be true it probably is'."

Scam emails can be sent to www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/scamnesty