The county council’s trading standards team has revealed its top tips to avoid starting the New Year by being 'scammed'.
They hope the advice will help protect the public against increasingly clever scams which are costing the UK economy as a whole around £3.5bn a year
We all need to be aware of the different scams and, in particular, look out for those who are vulnerable. If some of the offers sound too good to be true, they probably are.
Person:Nick Rushton, county council leaderThe top tips are:
- Say ‘no’ to unwanted, uninvited callers, either at your door or on the phone
- Always get three written quotes for any home improvement plans
- Sign up for the telephone preference service to opt out of marketing calls by ringing 0345 070 0707
- Install a telephone call blocker device, either a specific unit or phone with call blocking facilities
- Never give out your personal details over the phone or in emails
- Buying off auction sites and via social media is very risky, for example, never buy a car without examining it first
- Be wary of cheap designer branded goods for sale on internet sites, the site could easily be fake
- Talk to someone you trust if you’re suspicious
The team is also encouraging people with any concerns to report them to the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk