Moray trading standards to take part in Scams Awareness Month
Moray Council’s trading standards section will be supporting national Scams Awareness Month during July.
The campaign is being organised by Citizens Advice and each week the council’s trading standards staff will be focusing on different types of scams with the aim of giving consumers advice on how to avoid becoming a victim and what to do if they think they have been targeted.
The focus of the first stage of the campaign, which runs from July 1 to 10, is telephone scams which tend to fall into one of three broad categories:
Financial/investment scams – Have you received a call offering you a good deal on your pension? Have you been offered the chance to make an investment in wine, shares, land etc with the promise of high returns?
Money back scams – Have you received a call saying you are owed money for PPI, an accident or overpaid council tax?
Computer scams – Have you received a call to warn you that there is a problem with your computer?
Trading standards advises consumers never to contract with a cold caller and never provide personal details over the phone. If you are concerned that there is a problem with your bank account, call your bank on the normal number using a different phone line if possible. If you require financial advice, speak to a registered financial adviser. If you believe there is a problem with your computer, contact a local IT repair business.
Moray Council’s trading standards manager Peter Adamson said: “We would urge everyone to look out for their friends and relatives who may be more vulnerable to scams. Do you have an elderly relative who receives frequent phone calls from cold callers? Are you aware of someone who makes money transfers to unknown individuals or signs up to unnecessary insurance policies or buys large amounts of health or medical related goods?”
Families are also advised to consider purchasing a call blocking system from a reputable trader to prevent an elderly relative from being the victim of a scam call.
Anyone who suspects that they, or someone they know, have been the victim of a scam should contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506 for further advice.
Moray Council area stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Forres in the west. The council and its 4,500 employees respond to the needs of 92,500 residents in this beautiful part of Scotland, which nestles between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.
Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live.
Headquartered in Elgin, the administrative capital of Moray.