A campaign to stop consumers being ripped off by postal scams, such as bogus
prize draws and competitions, has been launched. The government estimates that
the phoney promotions could cost up to £100 million a year.
The campaign aims to:
- raise awareness of the problem;
- help the public recognise the obvious warning signs; and
- avoid members of the public becoming victims of a scam.
The campaign will also encourage consumers to join the fight against the scam
operators by sending suspected scams to the Office of Fair Trading to investigate.
Typical examples are:
- mailings appear as a cheque for a large cash sum already made out to the
addressee, giving the recipient the impression that they have won the large
cash prize and merely have to return a document release fee to receive the
real cheque; or
- the consumer is led to believe they have won a prize draw operated by a
company selling goods (often cheap jewellery). To receive the prize it is
implied that the recipient must purchase some of the goods.
Consumer Minister, Melanie Johnson said:
"Postal scams can be very convincing and too many people are falling for
their empty promises. Bogus prize draws and competitions and other similar promotions
offer unexpected rewards, but simply deliver a hole in the pocket."
Anyone considering a scheme that appears to offer unexpected prizes, financial
benefits or goods and services should ask themselves:
- Do I know exactly what I am being asked to pay for?
- Can I afford to lose the money I am being asked to pay?
- Does it look too good to be true?
http://www.number10.gov.uk
