Stockport Council warn ‘beware of scammers’

Stockport Council is urging local residents to spread the word about scammers and expose the tactics of fraudsters to protect others.

Citizens Advice has launched the Scams Awareness Month on 1st July to help stop people falling prey to scams by following a three-step rule – get advice, report it, and tell others about it.

It comes as national research by Citizens Advice finds scammers are using a variety of tactics to get people to part with their cash, with people losing an average of £2,500 across all types of scam.

Scam methods include vishing whereby scammers cold-call people in a bid to get their bank details, and offers of fake services, such as telling people their computer has a virus which they can fix remotely.

Investment scams carried the highest price tag, with people investing in fake diamonds or bogus stocks and shares, losing an average £20,000 each.

Stockport Council is warning people to be on guard and watch out for the different methods used by fraudsters, from doorstep selling of counterfeit goods to demands for upfront payments for services that never materialise.

Councillor Sheila Bailey, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Communities and Housing, said: “I am urging residents to continue to be vigilant. Every year hundreds of thousands of pounds are lost to fraudsters in Stockport, and it is often those least able to afford to lose out who are the victims of these scams.

“It’s vital that if you are targeted by a possible scam that it is reported to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service to ensure that your family, friends or neighbours aren’t also affected.”

For consumer advice about your rights, if you are concerned about scams or if you wish to report a fraudster contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0345 4040506.