Be scam aware

“Play Your Part and Act on Scams” is the call from Macclesfield MP David Rutley, as part of July’s Scams Awareness Month.

Scams Awareness Month, which is run by the Citizens Advice Bureau and Trading Standards, aims to give consumers the skills and confidence to identify scams, share experiences and take action by reporting suspicious activity.

Scammers can strike at any time, from cold-calling people with a fake investment opportunity to posting online adverts for products which do not exist. Scams Awareness Month highlights 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 event also aims to get more people reporting scams so that 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.

Anyone who is concerned that they have been the victim of a scam should report it to Action Fraud, the dedicated police unit set up to respond to fraud reports, by telephone on 0300 123 2040, or using the online reporting tool, www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud