Consumers losing money to scams is a significant problem in the UK. Scams can take the form of bogus and fraudulent offers sent by post, telephone, email or text.
Mass marketed scams such as fake lottery and prize draw wins, bogus psychic predictions, and miracle health cures are some of the tricks used by scammers. Fake ticket websites and bogus holiday clubs are also used to con people. Although anyone can fall for a scam, the elderly and vulnerable are more likely to be targeted, as they are more likely to become repeat victims.
Nearly half of the UK population has been targeted by a scam. More than three million adults - 6.5 per cent of the UK population - fall victim to scams, losing a total of £3.5 billion every year.
We believe it is vital that consumers are able to recognise and reject scams. The Office of Fair Trading's scams awareness campaign run in partnership with local authority Trading Standards Services (TSS) and other key players, aims to increase awareness and understanding of scams to reduce the number of scam victims.
Scams Awareness Month ran from 1 February to 28 February 2011 and consisted of three themes:
Back to: Scams - Current
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