Maryhill & Possilpark Citizens Advice Bureau launches ‘Scams Awareness’ Campaign

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Maryhill & Possilpark Citizens Advice Bureau launches ‘Scams Awareness’ Campaign

Maryhill & Possilpark Citizens Advice Bureau is urging local people to join the fight against scams and fraudsters, as a new nation-wide campaign gets underway.

May is ‘Scams Awareness Month,’ in which the CAB service across the country is working to tell people how to spot scams, and how to fight them. Here in your constituency, the local CAB is spreading the campaign’s message from its office in Maryhill, 25 Avenuepark Street, G20 8TS.

Hugh O’Neill, Manager of Drumchapel CAB, says,

“The aim of this campaign is very simple. We want everyone in your constituency to join in a huge national effort to beat scammers. That means being more vigilant, spreading the word and reporting any scams you come across – even if you don’t personally become a victim. 

“Here at the CAB we often see people who have been hit by some kind of scam – whether it’s a phantom lottery you have supposedly won, an attempt to re-claim a debt that you don’t actually have, or some kind of deal which seems too good to be true (and is!) It seems that scams take on all sorts of forms. Con-artists can find you online, through the post, over the telephone and even on your doorstep or out in the street!

“Sadly, once you have handed over the money, there is usually very little that can be done to get it back. So in order to beat scams, we need to raise awareness and stop them from happening in the first place. That’s what this campaign is all about.

Helen Fallowell, Manager of Maryhill and Possilpark CAB, says,

“One of the reasons scams are so common is because people don’t report them. Research has shown that, while half of us have experienced some kind of scam, only 5% of us notify the authorities. That’s a shocking figure, and if we are prepared to give scammers that sort of free ride, it’s no wonder they keep on going.   

“So our message to people in your constituency is: It’s time to stop letting them get away with it. There are four simple things that anyone can do that will make life much harder for scammers and fraudsters. If every one of us does these things, we really can cut the numbers of scams and give those responsible the justice they deserve. If you suspect a scam: check with someone you trust, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, tell others to be aware and get advice, call Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06.

“The bottom line is that scams are crimes. We should stop turning a blind eye, and instead stand up to them. This campaign is being run by CAB offices right across the UK, and it’s really good to think that people will be turning up the heat on those who would scam us. But I hope people here in your constituency will want to be an active part of that effort, and will follow the simple steps we are setting out today. ”

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FOUR SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO ABOUT A SCAM

  1. GET ADVICE. Contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06 or www.adviceguide.org.uk.
  2. CHECK. Unexpected calls, letters, and online contacts with someone you trust.
  3. REPORT IT. For both scams and suspected scams, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or www.actionfraud.police.uk
  4. TELL a friend, neighbor or relative about any scams you become aware of.

The campaign website is www.cas.org.uk/stopscams, where you can find more information and resources. We also have more information on scams, and how to look out for them in the CAB Office and at local Community Access Points across the city.

Ways to spot signs of a scam

  • The call, letter, e-mail or text has come out of the blue.
  • You’ve never heard of the lottery or competition they are talking about .
  • You didn’t buy a ticket (you can’t win a competition you didn’t enter!)
  • They are asking you to send money in advance.
  • They are saying you have to respond quickly.
  • They are telling you to keep it a secret.
  • They seem to be offering you something for nothing.
  • If it seems too good to be true – it probably is!
  • They are telling you to keep it a secret.
  • Never give out contact details like your name, phone number or address to strangers or to people who should have this information already.
  • Never give financial information or details of your identity, bank accounts or credit card to strangers or to the businesses that should already hold your details.
  • Shred anything with your personal or bank details on – don’t just throw it away.
  • If in doubt, don’t reply. Bin it, delete it or hang up.
  • Persuasive sales patter? Just say: “No thank you.”
  • Resist pressure to make a decision straight away.
  • Never send money to someone you don’t know.
  • Walk away from job adverts that ask for money in advance.
  • Ask friends, neighbours or family about whether an offer is likely to be a scam.

How to protect yourself better against scams

Research has found that half of us have experienced attempted scams at one time or another, and 8% of us will fall victim to at least one in our lifetime. In extreme cases, people can lose hundreds of thousands of pounds to scams. And they cost the UK economy £3.5bn each year.

It is sometimes thought that elderly people are the most vulnerable to scams, but research shows that the highest percentage of scam victims are those aged 35-44. This group is twice as likely to fall victim than those over-65. The truth is that ANYONE can be a victim of a con-trick. Many scams today are very sophisticated, and there is no shame in falling for them.

More info at www.cas.org.uk/stopscams.

 

 

 

Maryhill and Possilpark Citizens Advice Bureau, Sanctions Campaign

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Avatar of PatByrne Publisher of Pat's Guide to Glasgow West End; the community guide to the West End of Glasgow. Fiction and non-fiction writer.

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