15/02/2006
Consumers warned about mass-market scams
The Trading Standards Service has today warned both businesses and consumers to be on the look out for dangerous and costly mass-market scams.
This warning comes during scam awareness month, which commenced on February 1 and aims to show people how to recognise scammers and know what to do if they suspect they are being conned.
It has been estimated that around £1 billion is lost through swindles and almost 20 million people in the UK are targeted.
Scam awareness month aims to equip the public with the knowledge and skills necessary to avoid falling victim.
The Office of Fair Trading, the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs in the Republic, along with UK law enforcement agencies have joined forces with the TSS to create a 'Scambusters' team to target the main and most dangerous of mass-marketing schemes.
Today, the Scam Enforcement Group met in Armagh City Hotel to discuss potential ideas in order to tackle the perpetrators and combat the impact their sophisticated scams are having on businesses and consumers.
David Livingstone, Head of Trading Standards Service said: “It is important for consumers to be vigilant all year round when it comes to scams. ‘Scammers’ are getting more sophisticated and it is their aim to con us all. “’Scammers’ target every single one of us, so if you are unsure about the authenticity of an offer and it seems too good to be true, it usually is."
Consumers should report scams to Consumerline on 0845 600 6262 or log on to www.consumerline.org for more information.
Christine Wade, Director of Consumer Regulation Enforcement at the OFT, said: “As communications systems get more sophisticated and we become increasingly part of a global market place, the threat from rogue traders and scams is increasing. Coordinated efforts are vital in tackling scams and we are pleased to be working in partnership with the TSS.”
Some things to look out for to prevent yourself from falling victim to the scammers are; to look out for foreign or PO Box addresses, watch out for the trader defending himself before he is attacked, always read the small print and never give out your credit card or bank details.
(EF/SP)
This warning comes during scam awareness month, which commenced on February 1 and aims to show people how to recognise scammers and know what to do if they suspect they are being conned.
It has been estimated that around £1 billion is lost through swindles and almost 20 million people in the UK are targeted.
Scam awareness month aims to equip the public with the knowledge and skills necessary to avoid falling victim.
The Office of Fair Trading, the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs in the Republic, along with UK law enforcement agencies have joined forces with the TSS to create a 'Scambusters' team to target the main and most dangerous of mass-marketing schemes.
Today, the Scam Enforcement Group met in Armagh City Hotel to discuss potential ideas in order to tackle the perpetrators and combat the impact their sophisticated scams are having on businesses and consumers.
David Livingstone, Head of Trading Standards Service said: “It is important for consumers to be vigilant all year round when it comes to scams. ‘Scammers’ are getting more sophisticated and it is their aim to con us all. “’Scammers’ target every single one of us, so if you are unsure about the authenticity of an offer and it seems too good to be true, it usually is."
Consumers should report scams to Consumerline on 0845 600 6262 or log on to www.consumerline.org for more information.
Christine Wade, Director of Consumer Regulation Enforcement at the OFT, said: “As communications systems get more sophisticated and we become increasingly part of a global market place, the threat from rogue traders and scams is increasing. Coordinated efforts are vital in tackling scams and we are pleased to be working in partnership with the TSS.”
Some things to look out for to prevent yourself from falling victim to the scammers are; to look out for foreign or PO Box addresses, watch out for the trader defending himself before he is attacked, always read the small print and never give out your credit card or bank details.
(EF/SP)
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09 March 2011
Gig-Goers Warned Of Online Scams
Gig-goers and sports fans have been warned not to be conned by the increasing number of sophisticated fake ticketing sites that are appearing online. The Trading Standards Service (TSS) is warning that, in the last six months, it has received approximately 50 complaints from consumers after buying tickets from rogue websites.
Gig-Goers Warned Of Online Scams
Gig-goers and sports fans have been warned not to be conned by the increasing number of sophisticated fake ticketing sites that are appearing online. The Trading Standards Service (TSS) is warning that, in the last six months, it has received approximately 50 complaints from consumers after buying tickets from rogue websites.
28 May 2009
Car Sale 'Scam' Warning Issued
Trading Standards officers in Northern Ireland are warning consumers about so-called vehicle matching scams. Vehicle matching scams work by promising to 'match' consumers who are selling their cars, with definite buyers. Typically, the seller is 'cold-called' by telephone, having placed an advertisement in a magazine, website or newspaper.
Car Sale 'Scam' Warning Issued
Trading Standards officers in Northern Ireland are warning consumers about so-called vehicle matching scams. Vehicle matching scams work by promising to 'match' consumers who are selling their cars, with definite buyers. Typically, the seller is 'cold-called' by telephone, having placed an advertisement in a magazine, website or newspaper.
07 April 2005
Trading Standards issue scams warning
The Training Standards Service is urging local businesses to be wary of a number of scams which are operating across Northern Ireland. Kevin McNamara of Trading Standards said the latest scams are going to “considerable length” to look legitimate but are all working to the same end, "namely to part local businesses from their hard earned money".
Trading Standards issue scams warning
The Training Standards Service is urging local businesses to be wary of a number of scams which are operating across Northern Ireland. Kevin McNamara of Trading Standards said the latest scams are going to “considerable length” to look legitimate but are all working to the same end, "namely to part local businesses from their hard earned money".
04 April 2005
Trading standards warns of holiday scams
The Trading Standards Service has called on the general public to be wary of unsolicited telephone calls offering free holidays. Recent scams have fallen into two types. In one, the caller alleges that the consumer has won a free holiday in Florida and offers to upgrade the holiday for the apparently reasonable cost of approximately £300.
Trading standards warns of holiday scams
The Trading Standards Service has called on the general public to be wary of unsolicited telephone calls offering free holidays. Recent scams have fallen into two types. In one, the caller alleges that the consumer has won a free holiday in Florida and offers to upgrade the holiday for the apparently reasonable cost of approximately £300.
07 January 2005
Trading Standards warn of tsunami email scams
The generosity of local people could be exploited by bogus emails asking for donations to help those affected by the Tsunami disaster, it has emerged. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Trading Standards Service is warning of the cons which have already been reported in America and Britain.
Trading Standards warn of tsunami email scams
The generosity of local people could be exploited by bogus emails asking for donations to help those affected by the Tsunami disaster, it has emerged. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Trading Standards Service is warning of the cons which have already been reported in America and Britain.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
