Category: Suffolk County Council

Every year three million people fall victim to scams losing an average of £850 each and a few 'chronic scam victim's' lose their life savings.

A scam is a scheme which is designed to con you out of your money and no one is immune from scams. There's one out there for everyone and if you let down your guard and think that you won't be fooled, then you too could become a victim.

Elderly and vulnerable people are often more likely to be targeted by scammers who are becoming more sophisticated and aim to con us all. Bogus sweepstakes and lotteries, get-rich quick schemes and fake health cures are some of the favoured means of separating the unwary from their money. But the number of scams just keeps on growing and if you respond you risk becoming a chronic scam victim.

A chronic scam victim is someone who is repeatedly taken in by scams. This may be because they are over-trusting, socially isolated or suffer from a mental incapacity such as dementia and most of the time they are not even aware they're being conned.

It often starts with the person replying to just one scam mailing. Their details then go on a 'suckers list' and they may get more than 100 a week hounding them for money. Victims often end up losing their life savings, health and peace of mind without realising these letters are to blame.

Elderly chronic scam victims are a significant but 'hidden' problem which is likely to grow with an aging population.

Cllr Jeremy Pembroke, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said; "No one is immune from these letters. I received one the other day and had to seek advice from Trading Standards officers on what to do with it.

"These scams ruin lives. They seek out vulnerable people and often strip them of their life savings. The victim is unaware they are being sucked in and will not see any reward for the money they put in. It's vital that people who receive any such letters report them to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06."

In Suffolk, Trading Standards took part in a nationwide amnesty on scam letters and received 300 from residents across the County throughout February this year and set up an email address in order to report scam letters to.

Reg Ruffles, Assistant County Trading Standards Officer, said; "It's great that local residents sent in 300 scam letters and we can now start work on finding who is behind them and hopefully put a stop to it. However, we know there are more out there and would welcome reports to us on anything you think is a scam mailing.

"Suffolk Trading Standards are working hard to eradicate these letters which seek to part vulnerable people with their money, but we can't do it alone. If you or a friend of relative has received a scam letter please report it to Consumer Direct so it can be investigated."

How to avoid becoming the victim of a scam:

* Never reply straight away to an offer. Speak to a relative, friend, neighbour or your carer before you do anything.

* Never send money to anyone who says you've won the lottery or a big prize - you'll never see your promised winnings.

* Never give your bank account details or other personal information to people you don't know.

* Never ring an 090 number unless you're certain how much the call will cost and know what you are likely to receive.

* Never send money off in response to bogus psychic mailings. Identical letters predicting good or bad luck are sent to thousands of people.

If you think you have been the victim of a scam, or you suspect a scam, call Consumer Direct for clear, practical advice on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.