Get savvy, don't get conned

Consumer education key to stopping scams, says OFT

22/05 9 February 2005

Helping consumers to spot tomorrow's scams is the key to stopping fraudsters earning millions, says the OFT.

The OFT has joined forces with trading standards departments, Citizens' Advice, the police, charities and neighbourhood watch schemes across the country in a month-long campaign to educate the public on mass-marketed scams received via email, post or telephone calls.

Over half a million leaflets and posters containing advice on how to recognise and guard against scams will be distributed through libraries, community groups, police stations and door-to-door. The campaign is run in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry.

Most scams have common elements, designed to hook victims. Organised criminal gangs, using highly sophisticated techniques, are often behind the scams. The OFT campaign identifies the elements shared by a variety of scams, whether fake lotteries and prize draws, pyramid or investment schemes.

Penny Boys, OFT Executive Director, said:

'Last week we named the top ten scams targeted at UK consumers – but next year, there will be new frauds and swindles to part people from their money. Our campaign aims to equip consumers with the skills and knowledge to recognise scams, whatever their form, and so prevent themselves and others from falling victim to persuasive and manipulative approaches.'

Gerry Sutcliffe, DTI Consumer Minister, said:

'Too many people are ripped off by scams, losing money and unintentionally lining the pockets of these crooks. I am delighted to support the OFT's campaign to highlight the problem of scams and how consumers can avoid becoming victims.

'I also have a warning for those running or thinking of running scams – the DTI is committed to working closely with enforcement agencies to put a stop to this activity, and bring the full force of law to bear.'

Scam operators will:

catch you unawares by making unsolicited contact with you by email, telephone or post – lists of individuals' names and addresses are easily bought and sold: your details may well be on one of them
offer you tempting and easy opportunities to make money
ask for money up front to claim your prize to cover administration fees or taxes – no legitimate competition does this
ask for your bank details, or to ring a premium rate number (all UK premium rate numbers start with 090)
ask you to buy something in order to get your prize.

The OFT advises consumers:

be sceptical
don't send money or give out personal details to anyone until you've checked them out
contact your local trading standards department, Citizen's Advice Bureau, police station or the OFT for advice.

NOTES

1. The OFT launched its scam awareness campaign on 1 February (press release 18/05). The campaign is part of an international consumer education initiative, co-ordinated through law-enforcement agencies in over 30 member countries of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (press release 13/05). The OFT currently holds the presidency of ICPEN.

Download the leaflet How to recognise a scam: is it too good to be true? (pdf 441 kb). Copies are available from the OFT on 0800 389 3158.

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