OFT Uses Novel Approach To Get Scam Message Across

Although many of us have received scam texts and emails saying we have won a prize most people realise that it is just a ruse to get our details so some criminals can fleece us for all our money. Unfortunately there is still a large proportion out there that is taken in by these villains.

Over 3 million UK adults fall victim to mass marketing scams every year – losing around £3.5 billion. And these of course are only the official figures; a large number of victims don't report their experiences.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is to send out a text message to young people in an effort to make them understand the dangers of mobile phone scams. An SMS which reads "Urgent! U may have won £1K cash with '2 Good 2 B True." precedes a second text in which the recipient is told that it was a hoax from the body.

The message was sent out to thousands of 18-24 year-old mobile phone users to raise awareness about these scams. Speaking on behalf of the organisation, director of consumer protection states that even the technology-literate are prone to being tricked by scam artists.

"Young people can fall for exactly the same types of scam as anyone else ... We hope that our innovative approach of sending fake scam text messages will remind young consumers to be on their guard," he said.

Other scams to avoid:

•    Premium-rate telephone numbers – you will receive some sort of correspondence telling you to claim a prize and they will give you a 090 phone number to ring. This number is a premium rate number and the scammers will keep you on hold while they rack up the pennies.
•    Emails from your bank saying they need to confirm your log in and account details. Your bank should never ask you for your details by email.
•    Money in advance – many schemes are based around getting you to send money in advance of the service or prize. Never send money to a company that you are not absolutely sure of. Do some research on the internet if you cannot find any record of the company then leave it alone.

If you would like to know more about scams why not ask AnswerBank Law.