OFT and DTI's Scam Awareness Month

If an offer seems too good to be true then it probably is - that's the key message of Scam Awareness Month.

A host of initiatives will be launched by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and Department of Trade and Industry including radio ads and leaflets on how to identify a scam, as well as a sweep for 'online traps'.

Licensees have been targeted by numerous scams over the last year including being sent bills for advertising in fake charity magazines, promised coach loads of visitors in return for cash up front and a series of scams involving till-roll firms pretending to be the pub's regular suppliers.

The OFT estimates more than 28m people are targeted by scams each year and lose around £1bn. 'Those who lose money have very little chance of getting it back,' said OFT chief executive John Fingleton. He added that it was essential that 'we equip consumers with the skills and knowledge necessary to avoid falling victim to them in the first place.'

If you have been a victim of a scam, contact Consumer Direct on 0845 4040506 or at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.

For an advice leaflet on how to spot scams phone 0800 3893158.

Scam tactics

l They will contact you out of the blue

l They will sound pleasant, well spoken and kind

l They will have slick, professional letters and leaflets

l They will be persistent and persuasive

l They will rush you into making a decision

l They will demand money up front