Press Release
Don't Get Scammed
Trading Standards are warning people not to get caught out by phone calls, text messages or emails promising an unexpected cash windfall.
David Marsh, Shetland Islands Council’s Trading Standards Service Manager, says: “A number of folk have contacted us recently about calls, texts or emails they have received, wanting to check whether the offer is genuine, or concerned that others might get caught out by a cleverly-worded scam.”
So how can you protect yourself and your money?
Above all, guard your personal details. Never disclose your name, address, telephone number, date of birth, passport or driving licence number, credit card or bank details, security numbers or passwords (or any other similarly valuable information) in response to unsolicited calls, texts, emails, pop-ups or web pages. A genuine contact from a reputable business will not ask you to compromise your security.
The Council’s Trading Standards web pages at www.shetland.gov.uk/tradingstandards have more information about scams, together with general consumer advice and information and links to other useful websites.
For advice on any consumer issue (either as an individual or on behalf of a business), people in Shetland can call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06, Citizens Advice on 01595 694696, or Trading Standards on 01595 744887.
Councillor Allison Duncan was one of those who got in touch with Trading Standards wanting to make sure that people were being warned to be on their guard, after he received a text message offering help to make a claim about Payment Protection Insurance.
“Remember,” says Councillor Duncan, "If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is!"
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