Trading Standards have received a number of complaints about callers who usually phone to establish which bank a consumer uses. They then call again on another day, & request money from the customer’s bank card to reclaim charges from that bank. Consumers have said that they were told that they were talking to a bank official, but the banks have denied this.

On at least one occasion they approached a householder saying that the bank had overcharged her for borrowings. They asked for her card details to pay them to reclaim that overcharge. This consumer had never borrowed or gone overdrawn with her bank, and so she immediately realised that this was not genuine.

Remember, if you give your card details or other confidential information to anyone who phones you out of the blue, you may be giving it to a business that is not telling you the whole truth - or even to a criminal who just wants to defraud you.

If you have reason to believe that you have been overcharged by a bank, you should first approach the bank with your evidence. If this is initially unsuccessful, follow the bank’s complaints procedure and – if this does not solve the problem – then report the matter to the Financial Ombudsman’s service. Alternatively, if the alleged loss is over £5,000.00, you could put the claim in the hands of a solicitor.”

Scams cost British people about £3.5 billion last year. As part of “Scams Awareness Month”, we at Trading Standards asked Leicestershire residents to put scam mailings into ‘Scamnesty’ bins at their local library from 2^nd to 28^th of February. There was a bin in every Library & Library Van.

Every year an estimated three million people fall victim to mass marketed scams such as:-

We asked the public to help us beat the scammers by taking part in the 2009 Scamnesty and handing in these mailings. The letters have provided intelligence on the latest scams and are helping to stop the worst offenders from continuing to bring misery to thousands of vulnerable people each year.

Many of these scams are sent by post, as well as by email or over the phone. However, OFT research suggests that less than 5% of victims report the scam to the authorities.

If you require information or advice about a possible scam, please call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit the Consumer Direct - Scams page.

A scam is a scheme designed to con you out of your cash.

There’s a scam out there for everyone. If you let down your guard and think that you won’t be fooled, then you too could become a victim.

Scams may come as telephone calls, letters, emails and text messages. The golden rule is that if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

These promotions are a dishonest attempt to make you part with your money. Be very suspicious of unsolicited offers etc that ask you to respond at once. Expensive '09...' premium rate phone calls are often used by swindlers to carry out scams, so be wary of them.

To reduce the chance of being swindled make sure that you know who you are dealing with Read all the small print and never pay for a “free” gift. In addition, bear in mind the following points:-

1. Be suspicious of unsolicited letters, phone calls or emails asking you to send money  – check out the sender and ask the opinion of family, friends or neighbours

2. If an offer or investment looks too good to be true, it probably is – trust your gut instincts

3. Always think twice – ask yourself ‘can I afford to give this money away?’

4. Never send money to anyone who says you have won the lottery or a big prize – you will never see your promised winnings

5. Don't be rushed into sending off money by time sensitive deadlines  

6. Never ring an '09...' number unless you're already certain how much the call will cost and what you are likely to receive

7. Never disclose your bank account, credit card or personal details to people you don't know

8. Don’t send money off just because a letter seems official. Scammers often use this trick. If you haven’t heard of them check them out before taking any action.

9. Scammers often use fake testimonials to support their claims but don’t let them fool you – make your own mind up.  

10 Don’t suffer scams in silence, get help! Contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 for advice or visit the website at Consumer Direct - Scams

11. Seek professional advice from an accountant or solicitor if large sums of money are involved.

There are ways to avoid receiving unwanted phone calls from businesses by registering with the Telephone Preference Service making it unlawful for a business to make an unsolicited telephone call, the registration number is 0845 070 0707. You can also register with the Mail Preference Service as well. The registration number is 0845 703 4599. This will cut down the legal unsolicited advertising, and make it easier to spot the scams.

Remember you can get advice about your rights and report any problems to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Alternatively you can report a rogue trader anonymously by using the Rip Off Tip Off website.

How can you recognise if friends and relatives are falling victim to scams such as bogus lotteries, deceptive prize draws and fake psychic mailings?

Every year, an estimated three million people in the UK fall victim to postal, phone & other scams, losing an average of £850 each. Although people from all age groups can become victims, research shows that older people are the most likely to be targeted and lose the most money.

Scams can have a devastating effect on people's lives with many repeat victims losing their life savings and suffering ill health. The knock-on effects can also have a profound impact on victims’ families.

Someone regularly falling for mass market scams may:

Scammers are becoming increasingly clever and sophisticated and it's all too easy to get taken in.  If you think a friend or relative may be falling victim, ask questions, offer reassurance and advice, but try not to criticise as this may do more harm than good.'

Scammers use psychological techniques to gain the trust of vulnerable people.  They exploit fear and insecurity to steal as much money as they can from those who can least afford it.  Although anyone can fall victim to a scam it is often the oldest that are hit the hardest.'

Advice on the most common scams is available on the Consumer Direct website at Consumer Direct - Scams , where you can also report scams online. Alternatively people looking for advice can call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06

The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is the central opt out register on which you can record your preference not to receive unsolicited sales and marketing telephone calls to your home or mobile telephone numbers. It is a legal requirement that all organisations (including charities, voluntary organisations and political parties) do not make such calls to numbers registered on the TPS unless they have your consent to do so. Registration is effective within a month of your request.

So if you continue to get cold, unrequested sales calls, you know that the caller is operating illegally and should be reported to the Information Comissioner on 08456 30 60 60

Telephone Preference Service Registration line - 0845 070 0707

The Mailing Preference Service (MPS) is a free service set up 20 years ago and funded by the direct mail industry to enable consumers to have their names and home addresses in the UK removed from or added to lists used by the industry. It is actively supported by the Royal Mail and all directly involved trade associations and fully supported by The Information Commissioners Office.

Mail Preference Service Registration line - 0845 703 4599

In every trading area there are people who want to cheat us out of our money.  If you know anyone trading illegally, tip us off, anonymously and confidentially, via the Rip Off Tip Off website.

Every day, people throughout the UK are falling victim to scams of one kind or another. It could be an unexpected prize draw or lottery win, or a chance to invest in an exciting new money-making or investment programme. But remember - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

For more information please see the Consumer Direct - Scams page