The OFT launched its 2010 Scams Awareness Month by highlighting the scale of mass-marketed scams in Britain which aim to mislead people to part with their cash. The OFT is raising awareness of the problem with a nationwide 'Scamnesty' run in partnership with 129 local authority Trading Standards Services (TSS).
The campaign has achieved a high level of media coverage to date including national newspapers, TV (GMTV, This Morning and Newsround) as well as regional newspaper and online coverage.
Next week is Scamnesty's last week, still calling on consumers to drop scam mailings they have received into designated 'Scamnesty' bins or boxes at local libraries and public areas across the country. There is also an online bin where people can send suspected scam websites and emails - sc@mnesty.net – which has received over 20,000 emails.
To find out more information, locate your nearest Scamnesty bin or report a suspect email or online scam, visit the Consumer Direct scams website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/scamnesty.
Over 50 teachers from schools across Scotland attended a free launch event of Skilled to go for secondary education in Edinburgh this month for an interactive, hands on introduction to the resources and to share ideas for their use in the classroom.
Adapted from the successful adult version of the toolkit to suit a younger audience, the secondary education toolkit uses games, case studies, quizzes and interactive activities to develop the learning uses everyday scenarios, such as returning trainers to a shop or choosing a mobile phone, to develop consumer skills alongside literacy and numeracy. Scotland provides an ideal starting point for the launch of the secondary education toolkit as its Curriculum for Excellence prioritises the development of confident, effective, responsible citizens aligning closely with Skilled to go’s aim of developing confident, knowledgeable and capable consumers. Teachers commented on the benefits in being able to access relevant resources that can be easily adapted according to their learners’ needs and over 100 secondary teachers have registered with Skilled to go since the beginning of this month.
Skilled to go currently comprises tailored versions for adult education, secondary education and for use by TSS when visiting schools. Coming up in summer 2010 are two new modules on Scams and Buying and running a car. All are free to download at www.oft.gov.uk/skilledtogo
We will also be carrying out research this year into how the toolkit is being used. If you have used Skilled to go with learners and are able to contribute your experiences, please send an email to oftconsumereducationteam@oft.gsi.gov.uk and we will be in touch.
Launched in 2007, OFT’s Save Xmas campaign continues to deliver free advice sessions to raise awareness of the many different ways consumers can save for Christmas and other major events.
OFT developed the Save Xmas initiative following the Farepak hamper company collapse in 2006 in response to HM Treasury’s request to carry out an awareness campaign to help consumers understand their options when saving for Christmas.
To further assist the session facilitators in bringing the key messages of the campaign to life, a 13 part appendix was incorporated into the Save Xmas session toolkit earlier this year. The interactive and informative appendix includes quizzes, imagery and case studies that can be used on a pick and mix basis allowing facilitators to choose the activities that meet the specific needs of their audiences. For more information and to view a soft copy of the toolkit, please view www.oft.gov.uk/savexmas.
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