Throughout February, Consumer Direct are running their 'Scamnesty' campaign which aims to raise awareness of scams and encourages people to report suspected scams to Consumer Direct.
Richard said: "The first thing people who suspect they are being targeted by a scam should do is ring Consumer Direct. The staff at Consumer Direct have an incredible knowlegde of the law and how best to deal with scams. Great advice and reassurance is just one phone call away."
Richard who has led the campaign against directory scams in the European Parliament, also stressed the importance of having EU-wide legislation to protect people from scams.
He said: "Most consumer protection legislation is agreed at European level which means people all over the EU are protected by common rules. It was great to hear staff at Consumer Direct say how important they think this is, particularly now people are buying more things from abroad because of the internet."
This month's 'Scamnesty' campaign is paying particular importance to helping to protect more vulnerable people from scams, something Richard realises the importance of.
He said: "Scamers are often shameless in their targeting of the vulnerable. By raising awareness of scams and encouraging people to question suspicious forms and documents sent to themselves, friends and family, hopefully the amount of scam victims can be significantly reduced. If anyone is in any doubt about the veracity of a document they should ring Consumer Direct and ask for advice."
- People can report suspected scams to Consumer Direct at PO Box 5, Nepshaw Lane South, Morley, LS27 0QP, by phone on 08454 040506 or on the web at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
more information
Press enquiries: Contact Luke Thorne, Press and Communications Officer to Richard Corbett MEP
- phone 0113 245 8987
- e-mail luke@richardcorbett.org.uk
© 2003-2006 Richard Corbett MEP