Last year one in 20 people fell victim to scams, with most losing money as a result of giving out their bank account details or paying upfront fees.
According to statistics from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), 39 per cent of those who lost money were hit by two specific scams which dupe people into handing over their bank account details or paying upfront fees "assuming they are entitled to an inheritance or donating to charity ".
The OFT wants to raise awareness of the issue and has launched a campaign as part of its 2011 Scams Awareness Month. The campaign will ask people to drop any scam mail they receive into designated bins or boxes at local libraries and public areas nationwide.
"We want people to recognise the warning signs and feel confident enough to seek advice from friends and family or from Consumer Direct," said Michele Shambrook, operations manager for the OFT's Consumer Direct service.
Giving out bank account details could make people vulnerable to scams
Financial Services > e-banking > Banking news
Giving out bank account details could make people vulnerable to scams
Wed, 02 Feb 2011
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