Miracle cures, foreign lotteries and bogus holiday clubs are just a few con tricks used by scammers trying to get people to part with their cash.
And Shropshire County Council Trading Standards Service is keen to highlight a variety of different scams to local residents as part of a special Scams Awareness Month.
The service is working in partnership with Consumer Direct, the Office of Fair Trading, the regional Scambusters Team and Trading Standards across the West Midlands to raise awareness of the many scams that target people of all ages and backgrounds.
The council is asking residents to report possible scams and deposit letters in designated ‘Scamnesty’ bins located at the district council offices in Bridgnorth.
David Edwards,head of trading standards, said: “Scammers are becoming more sophisticated in the ways in which they target victims, it can be by post, over the phone, via email or classified ads to name a few – and there is a scam for everyone out there.”
Bridgnorth Councillor John Hurst-Knight, the county’s cabinet member for trading standards, added: “We want to raise awareness across all ages about the types of methods scammers use. Our advice is to be aware. Never send any money to ‘claim a prize’, don’t give any personal details such as your address or bank account details – and never feel pressured to respond immediately.
“If in doubt, you can find out further information by contacting Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.”