Scams Advice For Consumers

Herefordshire Council Trading Standards has issued a list of tips to avoid getting scammed - after a county man was conned out of more than £50,000.

The victim, who lives alone, frequently received more than two full mails sacks of post each week and lost the money over a two-year period.

Scams can come in many different guises. It could be someone cold calling at your house, unsolicited telephone calls, mail shots, text messages, e-mails and the internet.

While there are many obvious ways in which they operate, scamsters are always looking for new ways to cash in on unsuspecting victims. If it's too good to be true, then it's probably a scam. Once a person has supplied their information, their details are often compiled onto mailing lists which are sold on to other scammers, which means they are more likely to be targeted.

Top tips to avoid being scammed

• Never deal with "cold callers" who visit or phone. Always get several quotes and recommendations to compare and check out details and addresses first
• Never reply straight away to an offer. Speak to a relative, friend, neighbour or your carer before you do anything
• Never send money to anyone who says you've won a lottery or a big prize
• Never give out your bank account details or other personal information to people you don't know
• Never ring an 090 number unless you're certain how much the call will cost and know what you are likely to receive
• Always get a quote and appropriate independent advice before you sign a credit agreement especially on trade premises
• Never send money off in response to bogus psychic mailings or for so called "miracle" health cures
• Typical scams reported to the council regularly include: Cold calling; lottery scams; prize draws and scratch cards; bogus holidays; free memberships; bogus charity clothing collections; insider racing and betting syndicates; home working schemes; clairvoyant and "miracle" health cures; mock auctions.

If anyone suspects a scam they should contact Consumer Direct for advice on 08454 04 05 06.