Don't let them con you

Recent reports in the Herald Express confirm the need for the campaign that Consumer Direct are currently running, called Don't Let Them Con You.

Every year, millions of innocent people lose money to scams that come by post or phone, such as fake lottery and prize draw wins, bogus psychic predictions and 'miracle' health cures. Just this week, I received a call from an unknown number, which was a call to try and get my bank details.

Consumer Direct, an offsuit of the Office of Fair Trading have published some simple tips to keep yourself safe.

* 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.


It's clear that conmen are getting more sophisicated in the techniques that they are using to get money from people. If you suspect that you might be the intended victim of a scam, before sending any money, call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.