UK faces £3.5bn 'scam attack'

Over three million people suffer at the hands of mass market fraudsters in the UK each year to the tune of £3.5 billion.

However as few as five per cent report mass market scams, new data from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) reveal.

Mass marketed scams targeting victims by email, post, text or over the phone and after a recent 'Scamnesty' campaign – where people have been urged to drop mailing they have received from fraudsters in bins at local libraries – the most common techniques have been revealed.

The most common scams were:

• 1. Deceptive sweepstakes
• 2. Misleading prize draws
• 3. Fake clairvoyants/psychics
• 4. Bogus foreign lotteries
• 5. 'Miracle' health cures

With many of the scams offering prizes – through fake lotteries, prize draws or sweepstakes – the supposed winner is told they make pay an 'admin fee' to qualify for the prize.

Mike Haley, OFT director of consumer protection, said: "The huge range of mailings uncovered illustrate that there really is a scam for everyone."

The OFT's advice to anyone who receives a possible scam offer is: 'Stop, think, and think again'.

• Do not be rushed into sending off money straight away to someone you do not know.
• How likely is it that you have been especially chosen for this offer? Thousands of other people are likely to have received the same offer.
• Think again - read the offer carefully.
• If you are unsure, speak to family or friends or seek advice.

If you think you have been the victim of a scam, or you suspect a scam, call Consumer Direct for clear, practical advice on 08454 04 05 06 or visit the Consumer Direct website.

Consumers can also report scams online at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/watch_out/report/