Trading Standards warn consumers over postal scams

Oct 8 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

TRADING Standards watchdogs are calling on West Lothian people to be on their guard against postal scams.

West Lothian Council’s team is backing the Think Jessica poster campaign which raises awareness of the letters tricking victims into sending millions of pounds to fraudsters.

The hard-hitting ‘Scam Mail is Blackmail’ posters, produced as part of the Think Jessica campaign, will be on 1000 billboards across the country courtesy of Titan Outdoor, warning of criminals who are brainwashing people in the UK into sending them some £3.5billion a year.

According to research by the Office of Fair Trading, £350million is lost by UK consumers every year to prize draw, foreign lottery and clairvoyant scams alone.

The posters include a new free advice line 0800 848 88 55, sponsored by British Gas, with a message recorded by Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis.

West Lothian Council’s executive councillor for services for the communities, Frank Anderson, said: “We are very pleased to support this campaign which aims to raise awareness of fraudsters.

“The cost to repeated victims can run into tens of thousands of pounds each, but the emotional effect on them and their loved ones can be immeasurable. Trading Standards has a vital role in working with partner agencies towards tackling those responsible for these crimes.”