There is still time left for residents to help beat scammers by get rid of any suspect post they may have had through the door.
The “Scamnesty” campaign by Trading Standards and the Office of Fair Trading, and supported by Caerphilly County Borough Council, encourages people to drop their scam mailings into special “Scamnesty” bins during February.
Councillor Lyn Ackerman said: “We are fully behind this excellent month-long campaign to raise awareness of scams and scam mailings.
“I would encourage anyone who is receiving mailings of this nature to come along and dispose of them in one of the ‘Scamnesty’ bins located throughout the borough.”
Scam letters often take the form of bogus and fraudulent offers of money sent by post, telephone or email.
Fake lottery and prize draw wins, bogus psychic predications, get-rich-quick investment cons and miracle health cures are just some of the tricks used by scammers.
More than three million adults, one in 15 people, fall victim to scams, losing a total of £3.5 billion every year.
“Scamnesty” bins will be placed in the following locations:
- Caerphilly County Borough Council’s main council buildings at Penallta House, Tredomen House, Pontllanfraith House, Hawtin Park.
- Caerphilly, Blackwood, Bargoed, Risca and Rhymney libraries.
- Customer First Centres (except Blackwood).
- CCBC Cash Offices.
More information can be found through Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/scamnesty
A copy of the Office of Fair Trading’s free leaflet ‘Scambuster’ is available from 0800 389 3158, quoting the reference OFT 831PR.