Scams Awareness Month events in East Dunbartonshire

Date: 
Friday, 7 July, 2017


The Council’s Trading Standards Service and the Citizens Advice Bureau are joining forces to give people in East Dunbartonshire the knowledge to spot scams.

The two organisations will be running information events in July as part of Scams Awareness Month, a national campaign encouraging people to report and talk about scams.

Scammers can strike at any time, from mailing scams with fake lottery wins to online adverts for products which don’t exist.

People will learn the tricks and tactics scammers use 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.

The events also aim to get more people reporting scams so the authorities can chase down fraudsters. Reporting being scammed also means that people can receive advice on how to try and get their money back or any other steps they should take to protect themselves.

To find out more come along to any of the following venues:

  • Wednesday 19 July - The Fraser Centre, Milngavie – 10am to noon
  • Thursday 20 July - Lennoxtown Hub – 11am to 2pm
  • Monday 24 July - Auchinairn Community Centre – 1pm to 2pm
  • Tuesday 25 July - Hillhead Community Centre – 11am to 2pm
  • Thursday 27 July - Auchinairn Community Centre – 1.30pm to 2.30pm.  

Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council Gordan Low said, “These events are designed to raise the awareness of the types of scams that these unscrupulous fraudsters engage in and offer advice and assistance on how to avoid being scammed.

“I hope that people make the most of this great opportunity and come to speak directly to our officers at these events during Scam Awareness Month 2017.

“However, if you are unable to make it along then I would encourage residents and businesses that have concerns about a possible scam to contact the Council’s Trading Standards team for help and advice by telephone on 0300 123 4510 or by e-mail at trading.standards@eastdunbarton.gov.uk.”

Catherine Bradley, Manager of East Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau added, “Knowing how to spot a scam is the best line of defence against being scammed.

“While scammers will always use tactics like cut-price deals and pressure selling to draw people in, there are more ways for scammers to reach people with different bogus offers - from texts and emails to social media and online adverts. People will be able to take away a few key tips from the event which will help protect them against a range of different scams.

“People are also often reluctant to talk about scams so we want this event to bring the issue out into the open and look forward to seeing as many people as possible there.”

If you have been scammed or think that someone is trying or has tried to scam you then get advice and report it to Trading Standards on 03001234510 or through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.


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