Trading Standards launch "Scam Wise" campaign

Release Date:  21-Nov-2006

During National Consumer Week (20 -24 November), Bristol Trading Standards is launching 'Scam Wise South West', a campaign by all Trading Standards Services in South West England to help stop people being conned by rogue traders.

Being scammed can be a humiliating and costly experience. Anyone can fall for a scam. They arrive through the post, by email, over the telephone and on the doorstep. Most scams are, quite simply, fraud and the perpetrators are criminals.

Cllr Gary Hopkins, Executive Member for Environment and Community Safety says, "The risks to personal safety, the effect on people's health and well-being and the consequences for their financial situation are extremely serious. We want to give people in Bristol as much help as possible to avoid scams. Over the coming weeks, we're sending out Scam Wise advice leaflets and suggesting people put 'No Doorstep Traders' notices on their doors."

Trading Standards advises people that avoidance is the best tactic. The latest information also explains who to contact if you find you've been 'scammed'. To get your copy of the Scam Wise leaflet or window sticker -Phone Consumer Direct South West on 08454 04 05 06 or collect from Bristol City Council Customer Service Points or from Trading Standards at Brunel House (behind the Council House). Alternatively, download from www.bristol.gov.uk/tradingstandards

Gary Hopkins adds: "This is a long-term campaign. Rogue traders should be aware that we are working together and sharing intelligence with the Police and our Trading Standards colleagues throughout the south west. People have a right to feel safe in their own homes and our campaign will help to protect that right.'

This campaign is a response to the increasing range of scams delivered by telephone, email, letter and on the doorstep. Complaints received by Consumer Direct show that, every year in the south west, hundreds of people are conned by, or encounter problems with rogue traders. Consumer Direct is a national helpline offering clear, practical consumer advice and information on 08454 04 05 06. Alternatively you can visit the website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

It is delivered in partnership with the Office of Fair Trading and local authority Trading Standards across the South West of England.

Author:  

Louise Hudson - 0117 922 3463

For all media enquiries relating to this press release, please contact Corporate Communications on 0117 922 2650.

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