Bracknell

Trading standards officers in Bracknell Forest are taking part in a nationwide ‘Scamnesty’ to encourage residents to report people who try to rip us off.

Potential scambusters in Bracknell Forest can drop off any potential scam mailings they may have received into special Scamnesty boxes around the borough. The information could provide crucial intelligence to help future investigations and prevent other people from falling victim.

The Bracknell Council is taking part in a nationwide campaign launched by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) which is encouraging residents to help in the fight against scams which cost the UK an estimated £3.5 billion a year.

Every year about three million people fall victim to mass marketed scams such as bogus lotteries, deceptive prize draws and sweepstakes, fake psychics, get-rich-quick schemes and miracle health cures.

Many scams are sent through the post, as well as by email or over the phone, and often target the elderly and vulnerable. However, OFT research suggests that less than five per cent of victims report the scam to trading standards.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: "Being scammed out of your hard-earned cash can cause misery to unsuspected victims who are often the most vulnerable people in our community.

”By taking part in the OFT’s Scamnesty, we hope to stop people in Bracknell Forest and across the country becoming victims and losing money.”

Scamnesty boxes can be found until February 27 in the Council’s town centre offices – Easthampstead House and Time Square; in Sandhurst, Ascot and Crowthorne libraries; snf Bracknell Leisure Centre and Edgbarrow Sports Centre. Scam information can also be sent to Scamnesty, Bracknell Forest Borough Council trading standards, Time Square, Market Street, Bracknell. RG12 1JD.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council