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Speak out to stop scams from spreading across our Borough

Castle Point residents are being encouraged to expose scams and help stop more people from falling prey to clever cons that fleece them of thousands of pounds.
 

July is Scams Awareness Month and Essex Trading Standards is highlighting how scams continue to flourish when people stay silent.

Figures show that less than 5% of victims report scams and Trading Standards is encouraging residents to report suspicious activities, get advice if they think they've been conned and warn others to help stop scams from spreading. 

Scams come in every form, from doorstep double glazing sales to online investment offers.

Some people may be targeted with “vishing” calls where a fraudster impersonates their bank to collect their bank details.

The Scams Awareness campaign is asking people to keep two things in mind if they receive an unsolicited approach, or are looking for goods or services: don’t be rushed and don’t be hushed.

The July edition of the Castle Point Neighbourhood Watch newsletter which will be distributed to all members of the scheme across the borough, features Scams Awareness Week and highlights some of the current cons to be vigilant about in our area.

Cllr Godfrey Isaacs, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Safer Communities said: “The more people who speak out the more chance there is of preventing others falling foul of the scammers. Some have been scanned out of their life savings and face a bleak future…we all have to do our bit to prevent this happening to people in our Borough, particularly older residents.”

If you think you have been scammed, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline for advice on 03454 04 05 06. Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to help stop it happening to others.

 

ENDS

Media Contact: For more information contact Carol Leach, Media Advisor on 01268 882427 or email media@castlepoint.gov.uk

 

 

Top tips for avoiding scams:

  • If it sounds too good to be true it probably is
  • Contacted out of the blue? – be suspicious. If in doubt, don’t reply. Bin it, delete it or hang up. Don’t be rushed – resist pressure to make a decision straight away
  •  Never send money to someone you have never met
  • Walk away from job ads that ask for money in advance
  •  Your bank will never phone you to ask for your PIN or your online banking password. Nor will they attend your home to collect cash, your pin, payment card or chequebook, or ask you to transfer money to a new account for fraud reasons
  • If you suspect a phone scam, hang up, wait five minutes to clear the line or use another phone to call your bank
  • Genuine computer firms do not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer.