If you you are being targetted by scamsters, or if you suspect someone you know is being conned, always contact both Consumer Direct and the Think Jessica Campaign.
Consumer Direct is a government funded advice service for everyone to use. They will be able to give you clear and practical information:
On the Consumer Direct website you can also report a scam. According to the website the information will be passed on to Trading Standards and the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). Although very few scam artists are prosecuted by the OFT it is still worth registering any scam you receive. It will provide them with useful evidence which hopefully encourage them to take action:
Think Jessica is a campaign group set up and run by Marilyn Baldwin. The campaign is named after Mrs Baldwin's mother who was scammed out of large sums of money. The group provides an excellent service to people who are being scammed or know someone who is being targeted by scammers:
Many victims don't report they have been scammed. Many don't even tell friends or relatives about their experience. Sometimes this is because people feel the authorities will probably not be interested, sometimes because they feel too embarrassed to take action. However, reporting a scam can help prevent other people falling victim of the same scam. And it will will also help the authorities in developing an effective enforcement and education strategy.
You might suspect that a relative, friend, neighbour or someone you care for is being scammed, and you may be one of the few people in regular contact with this person. In that case you are in a unique position to help stop the person being scammed. You can do that by knowing what to watch out for, passing on simple tips and knowing where to go for help.
The OFT advises to be careful not to criticise a victim. Victims may be too embarrassed to admit that they have fallen for a scam or refuse to believe they have been conned. Critisising someone could do more harm than good. Instead, you could reassure them by explaining that it's a common problem, that scammers are clever and that all sorts of people get duped.
You can also help them protect themselves by talking to them about the letters or phone calls they get and by sharing some simple tips:
If the victim is reluctant to talk about the problem or won't accept advice, don't give up. A scammer will not stop until the victim's money has run out - even if this means they end up losing their home and life savings, as well as their confidence and self-respect.
The OFT has published a guide for carers and care professionals who suspect someone they care for is being scammed. The leaflet, entitled 'Can you stop the person you care for from being scammed?' can be downloaded from the OFT website:
Free copies of this leaflet can be ordered by phoning 0800 389 3158. They are available in different formats and languages.