"Scam mail is blackmail" warn advisers as scammers pocket billions of pounds a year
It has teamed up with the West Berkshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) as part of scams awareness month, a national campaign running throughout May, and residents are being urged not to respond to any unsolicited letters or leaflets which promise cash prizes or ask for bank details, many of which look legitimate.
Those behind such scams often ask for a small fee or require an expensive phone call for the victim to claim a prize, however once someone has responded their personal details are stored on a list - often referred to as a “suckers list” - which can then see them bombarded with large amounts of scam mail.
Some victims have reported receiving more than 100 letters a week.
Typical examples include lottery and prize draw letters, clairvoyant scams - in which the victim is told of some bad luck due to happen to them if they fail to respond - and catalogue and brochure scams promising free gifts and discounts with orders which later fail to arrive.
Trading Standards and the CAB are reminding residents to be vigilant against such contact and have issued the following tips on how to spot scams:
- You cannot win money or a prize in a lottery if you have not entered it.
- You do not have to pay a fee to claim a legitimate prize. Never send cash, disclose personal details or buy goods to claim a prize.
- People behind ‘psychic’ mailings cannot control what will happen in your life.
- Items advertised in the post may be marketed as ‘high quality exclusive goods’ but in reality they can be extremely poor value for money.
- If you receive a ‘dazzling’ letter do not respond – put it straight into the recycling or ask a trusted friend of family member for advice.
For more information or advice, contact the CAB consumer service on 08454 04 05 06.