Scam Email Awareness

Don't get diddled by an e-mail fiddle!

If you've seen post or emails similar to this, chances are they're scams. The message is clear, if it looks too good to be true, it usually is!

Don't worry - none of your personal information has been collected.

February is national Scams Awareness Month. The county council's Trading Standards team is running a campaign to make both staff and members of the public aware of the dangers of falling victim to scams and to let them know how to spot a scam.

Mass marketed scams are a big problem and can take the form of bogus and fraudulent offers sent by post, telephone or email. Fake lottery, prize draw and holiday wins, bogus psychic predictions, get-rich-quick investment cons and 'miracle' health cures are just a few examples of scams.

Warning signs to watch for:

You are asked to provide personal details such as credit or bank account information
You must send a fee to make your claim
The promotion is based overseas
It's an unsolicited letter, phone call or email
Prizes are shown in foreign currency
You must respond at once to claim your prize
You must purchase goods to claim your prize
You must call a premium rate number

If you suspect a scam

Don't reply to the email or post and don't provide any personal information about yourself.
Contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit their website www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

For more information about this contact our Consumer Support team on 01782 297094

Last Modified: 11/02/2010 10:11:29
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