How to stop falling prey to con-artists

The organisations launched Scams Awareness Month last week to help stop people falling prey to fraudsters by following a three-step rule - get advice, report it, and tell 
others about it.

Cold calls, high-pressure sales tactics and automated voicemails asking for people’s details are just some of the tricks scammers are using to rob people of their hard-earned money.

Fraud victims pay a heavy price, losing billions of pounds every year.

Scams targeting people by phone or post alone cost people in the UK an estimated UK £5 billion each year.

East Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau and East Dunbartonshire Trading Standards are inviting locals to come to meet them during a special roadshow which will focus on stopping scams and give tips on how to spot them.

Councillor Rhondda Geekie, Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, said: “Scams are more common than most people realise and every day we hear from people who have lost money to a con-artist.

“Some scams are one-offs that persuade you to part with a lump sum, while others go after your personal details so they can access your money or copy your identity.

“We’re asking people to help us tackle scams in East Dunbartonshire by getting to know the common signs, warning others, and reporting incidents to us so we can investigate.?

To find out more, head to the following venues between 10.30am and 2.30pm. Thursday July - Waitrose, Glasgow Road, Milngavie; Wednesday, July 27 - B&Q, Strathkelvin Retail Park, Bishopbriggs and Thursday 28 July - Regent Centre, Kirkintilloch.

People will learn the tell-tale signs of fraud, from being made an offer that’s too good to be true, to being rushed into signing on the dotted line.

Informing the authorities and warning others is the only sure fire way of stopping scams, but people can be hesitant to even tell their friends and family. Trading Standards staff will highlight how speaking up about a scam is key to getting them closed down, and how to go about reporting suspected fraud to the authorities.

If you have been scammed or think that someone is trying or has tried to scam you then get advice and report it to Trading Standards through your local Citizens Advice Bureau or through the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06.