Local Outcome 4: ‘Be scam aware’ urges Council's Trading Standards Service

In June 2022 East Dunbartonshire Council’s Trading Standards Service took part in a national campaign allowing others to share their experiences on being scammed.

The Scams Awareness Fortnight is a national campaign created by the Citizens Advice Bureau. The campaign ran from 13 to 26 June 2022 to help consumers spot the signs of a scam.

The campaign advised consumers that scams can occur in many different ways such as through emails, false lottery wins and adverts online for non-existent products. The campaign helped to advise people on the tactics often used in scam, for example applying pressure to make a fast decision.

Scams Awareness fortnight allowed East Dunbartonshire Council’s Trading Standards Officers to encourage victims of scams to share their stories and report them. This allowed Trading Standards Officers to act on these reports, educate people on how scams can occur and how to take appropriate steps to reclaim the money that was lost.

The Council's Depute Chief Executive, Ann Davie, said, “Scams Awareness Fortnight was very successful in bringing attention to the different forms and how to appropriately act.

“Scams can happen to anyone, allowing victims the support to share their experiences gives us all the opportunity to take a stand.

“Fraudsters may use techniques many are unfamiliar with, which is why it is important to highlight the different methods that may be used so that consumers are aware and prepare.

“The campaign successfully created confident and aware consumers within East Dunbartonshire. Our Trading Standards officers continue to provide advice and assistance on how to appropriately.”

During 2021 East Dunbartonshire Council participated in another campaign to inform elderly residents of the dangers that doorstep scams can pose. This was done by warning residents by distributing pamphlets and posters describing the signs of a scam. Social media was also used to promote awareness of doorstep crimes.

Anyone may be susceptible to falling for a scam, it happens to all ages and different backgrounds. Which is why it is essential to receive advice and take the appropriate steps to repost this. You can report concerns of possible scams or receive advice and assistance through the Council’s Trading Standards team by telephone on 0300 123 4510 or through e-mail at trading.standards@eastdunbarton.gov.uk