Pendle News Room

Research shows that the majority of us have encountered a scam but not everyone knows what to do. 

The Partnership has joined forces with Lancashire County Council Trading Standards and Pennine Community Credit Union to  raise awareness and offer advice on the different types of scams and how to avoid them.

And if you want more information they’ll be at the following venues:

Monday 17 July           Morrisons, Nelson       10 – 2pm

Wednesday 26 July     Colne Market              10 – 2pm

Friday 28 July              Co-op, Barnoldswick   10 - 2pm

Councillor David Whipp, Chairman of Pendle Community Safety Partnership, said: “Anyone can be a victim of a scam.

“Scammers can strike at any time, from cold-calling people with a fake investment opportunity to posting online adverts for products which don’t exist.

“We want to make sure you have the information you need to become scam aware so you can protect yourselves and others.

“Knowing how to spot a scam is the best line of defence against being scammed.”

County Councillor Albert Atkinson, deputy leader of Lancashire County Council with responsibility for Trading Standards, added:

"In the last 12 months the Trading Standards Service received over 600 reports about postal, telephone, internet and doorstep scams.

“The real scale of the problem is thought to be far greater, as we believe that most victims of scams don't report their experience because they feel a sense of shame, and simply want to forget what has happened and move on.

"Scams can have a real impact on people's physical and mental health, as well as their finances, and we would urge anyone who requires advice and support on scams to contact the Citizen's Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 in the first instance."

Scams can also be reported to Action Fraud, the national fraud reporting centre on their website www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Audrey Drinkwater, Pendle Council’s Localities and Communities Officer, is leading on Scams Awareness Month for Pendle.

She added: “Scammers have all sorts of tricks and tactics to try and steal people’s money, such as making contact out of the blue and piling pressure on people to agree to a deal on the spot.

“By reporting that you’ve been scammed you can receive advice on how to try and get your money back or any other steps you should take to protect yourself and others.”

Audrey is encouraging people to become a Friend Against Scams by doing some online training which can be shared with others - www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk

She’s available to talk to any community groups if they’re unable to access a computer to learn the scammers’ tricks.

To arrange a session contact Audrey on (01282) 661339 or email audrey.drinkwater@pendle.gov.uk

Think:                                                        

• Has the call, letter, email or text arrived unexpectedly?
• Have you heard of the lottery or competition they are talking about and did you buy a ticket?
• Are they asking you to send money in advance or are you being asked for personal or security details?
• Are you being urged to respond quickly so you don’t get time to think about it or talk to family and friends?

How to take a stand against scams

• Say no to unwanted, uninvited callers
• Be wise to rogue traders - too good to be true offers, probably are
• Don’t feel pressurised to make a decision - say no or say you need advice first
• Be wise to postal scams - no legal company will ask for money to claim a prize
• Keep personal details safe - they could be used fraudulently in the wrong hands
• Research the credentials of the company - be certain they’re not bogus
• Be online savvy - check who you’re communicating with online
• Talk to someone you trust if you’re suspicious
• Report a scam -help expose the criminals
• Know that you’re not alone - anyone can be a victim, report it and get the right support