Richard said: "Given that many scams operate across borders, many rules which protect people from them are now agreed at European level. It is really important people know they are protected and they do not lose money if caught out by a scam. If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, report them to Trading Standards and include a copy of the form, letter or email you have received."
Linda added: "Sadly it is often the most vulnerable who are tricked by scams and this month-long campaign intends to raise awareness of scams and alert people to the tricks they use. Hopefully this month will help make a real difference."
Richard and Linda have also been playing their part in fighting scams by continuing their battle in the European Parliament against directory scams like the European City Guide, who trick people into signing misleading contracts then bully victims into paying.
Richard said: "Directory scams have managed to exist for so long because of a loophole in the law which means businesses which fall victim to the scams are not protected by the Unfair Commercial Practices directive, which protects only consumers. By simply changing the wording of this European law, so that it protects whoever the scam is targeted at rather than just consumers, we can deal a huge blow to these scams."
People can report scams to Consumer Direct by visiting www.consumerdirect.gov.uk or by ringing 08454 040506
The Office of Fair Trading's Scam Awareness Month runs throughout February 2009. For more information please visit the Scamnesty webpage at http://www.oft.gov.uk/oft_at_work/consumer_initiatives/scamnesty/
Directory scams work by sending unsolicited forms to businesses, charities and voluntary organisations appearing to offer a free listing if they update their details. However, the small print reveals that should you return a form you are in fact signing up to a three-year contract that costs around £900 a year. Victims are never billed until the short cancellation period has long passed. The scams then use aggressive tactics to pressure people into paying.
People should never pay any money or return any forms to the following groups: European City Guide, UK Internet Register, Construct Data Verlag, Novachannel, DAD Deutscher Adressdienst GmbH and EU Company Directory.
Richard's proposal is to amend Annex 1 No 21 and No 26 of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, replacing the word "consumer" with "target of the practice". This would cover small businesses, charities and other organisations who are targeted by scam business directories.
Richard is Socialist group spokesman on the European Parliament's report on the European City Guide and other misleading advertising directories, authored by Simon Busutill MEP. He has produced a short video on the scams viewable on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQhDd6-1PtA .
more information
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- phone 0113 245 8987
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© 2003-2006 Richard Corbett MEP