The Isle of Wight Council’s Trading Standards Service is asking the public to help it raise awareness of the debilitating effects of scams.
To help mark National Safeguarding Day today (Monday) the service is also highlighting the personal cost and psychological effect of scams on their victims.
It is estimated that scams in their many forms contribute an average £9 billion loss to UK consumers every year. On the Isle of Wight the Trading Standards Service has identified 304 victims within the last 12 months.
One of the core priorities of the service is to give a voice to the victims and to encourage the public to help identify, report and prevent these crimes.
Anyone can be a victim of a scam, but the National Trading Standards Scams Team has revealed the average age of a victim is 74. Criminals use a variety of deceitful methods to encourage people, particularly the vulnerable, to part with thousands of pounds.
In one instance the national team revealed that over a period of time an elderly victim parted with £1 million to a fake lottery scam company.
Locally, Trading Standards supported a victim who was tricked over a period of two-and-a-half years into sending more than £20,000 as part of an overseas-based scam. Working with adult services and Age UK the victim was rehoused and her post monitored.
Isle of Wight Council Executive member for public protection, Councillor Phil Jordan, said:
“Scams can have a shattering effect on a victim’s life. Not only can people lose significant amounts of money, they can also lose the confidence to leave their home, and suffer health issues such as anxiety and depression.
“It is also the case that scams are massively underreported – with it estimated that fewer than five per cent of victims report their experience. By supporting the National Safeguarding Day, the council’s Trading Standards Service wants to increase reporting by raising awareness.
“Increased awareness will prevent the most vulnerable becoming victims and we hope the criminals responsible for so much suffering will be brought to justice.”
Trading Standards is advising people how they can play their part in tackling scams – and how to spot them by being vigilant about:
• out of the blue phone calls, letters and emails;
• being asked to send money to claim a prize;
• being told of winnings when a competition wasn’t entered;
• too good to be true offers;
• pressure selling;
• uninvited door step callers;
• being asked share your personal details;
• secrecy.
If you suspect a scam or think you or someone you know has been a victim of a scam, please report it to the Citizens Consumer Advice Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 20 40.
