Trading Standards have warned consumers to be on their guard, as details were released of pensioners who became chronic scam victims. The warning comes during Scams Awareness Month, as Trading Standards Service (TSS) revealed that Northern Ireland consumers lose over £100million every year on bogus lotteries, prize draws, and other scams.
An 80 year-old County Down man became hooked on the European Lottery Guild. He was persuaded to buy more and more tickets to improve his chances. The Guild even sent him a leaflet on “Scams and How to Avoid Them.” Over the last four years he has lost over £70,000.
A 70 year-old Belfast woman received a letter from the World Winners Council telling her that she had won £310,000 in a lottery sweepstake. She was asked to send a payment to “release the prize”. After many persistent phone calls to make further payments, she parted with almost £44,000 from her life savings, receiving nothing in return.
Trading Standards Officer Kerry McAuley said: “Scammers use sophisticated psychological techniques to target people who are often the most vulnerable in society, particularly older people. I would urge family members, carers and others to help spot the warning signs before it is too late."
Look out for the following signs:
- does the older person receive a lot of junk mail?
- do they have a lot of cheap-looking goods, such as jewellery or health products, in their home?
- do they receive frequent calls from strangers?
- do they become secretive when discussing finances with family or friends?
"If so, they could be a scam victim – talk to them and contact Consumerline for advice.”
To highlight the problem, TSS are going on the road with their Scams Awareness Roadshow, starting at the Abbey Centre, Newtownabbey on the 14 and 15 February. The TSS team will be on hand to give advice and guidance on how to avoid being the victim of a scam.
TSS have asked consumers to collect any scam mailings they receive during February and send them in to the Trading Standards Service at 176 Newtownbreda Road, Belfast, BT8 6QS.
If you think you may have been the victim of a scam, report it to Consumerline. The Consumerline team will be happy to advise on any consumer issues - call 0845 600 6262 or log on to the website.