New campaign launched to stop scams

Monday 03 July 2017

Islanders are being encouraged to play their part in preventing the spread of scams.

It’s Scams Awareness Month, and Citizens Advice, Trading Standards, and the Consumer Council have got together to help combat the increasing number of scams.

But they say the public also has a key role, by acting as "communicators, sharers, messengers, reminders, and companions."

The charities say as a ‘Communicator’ you can, “...ask your friends, family and contacts to share a story about a recent unwanted call, they have received, an unwanted email, text or letter with you or their friends."

As a ‘Sharer’ you can,  “...share the factoid that 45% of people think that hearing someone’s voice makes it easier to judge their honesty. Remember, they are still strangers!”

As a ‘Messenger’ you can,  “...check your consent box – to tick or not to tick the box allowing your personal information to be captured by legitimate companies and then shared or sold to affiliated/third parties simply because a consent tick box had been missed.”

As a ‘Reminder’ you can,  “...remind everyone that they shouldn't be rushed – genuine organisations won’t mind waiting.”

And as a ‘Companion’ you can,  “...let others know to listen to and trust their instincts – if it doesn't feel right walk away.”

Citizens Advice Chief Executive, Malcolm Ferey says: “Being scammed can ruin people’s finances. During Scams Awareness Month we’re encouraging people to play their part in preventing scams by reporting them and telling others about them.”