Scam advice

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To report a scam, please visit the Consumer Direct scam reporting webpage, or contact us (details at bottom of page).

If you've been the victim of a scam, please report it to the Rip Off - Tip Off website to help prevent others from becoming victims.

Postal Scams

If you receive mail making an offer that seems too good to be true, then it probably is. It's likely to be a scam designed to make you think that it's a genuine offer, but the reality is you could lose large amounts of money.

Don't be fooled by callers or letters saying you've won a prize such as a holiday or a car. Most importantly, do not, under any circumstances, provide them with any of your personal banking details as they could use them to steal your identity and run up debt in your name. Don't call premium rate or overseas phone numbers, as fraudsters can force you to stay connected for long periods, causing your phone bill to rocket. Premium rate numbers can be easily recognised as they are advertised on 09 number ranges.

Here are some of the warning signs to look out for in postal scams:

• you didn't ask to be contacted,
• you're asked to give bank or credit card details,
• you are asked for a payment 'just to process your claim or cover postage'
• the sender is based abroad, or return addresses are PO boxes located abroad.

E-updates

Sign up for our e-update service and we can immediately warn you by email of any new scam operating in Renfrewshire.

Reporting a scam

For further information or advice on scams, please contact out partners, Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06, or visit their website.



Alternatively, you can complete the following form and submit direct to Trading Standards:

Consumer Complaint Reporting Form (pdf - 604kb)

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Contact information

• email: ts.es@renfrewshire.gov.uk
• call in or write to us at:
  Renfrewshire Council
  Environmental Services
  Trading Standards
  Renfrewshire House
  Cotton Street
  Paisley
  PA1 1BR

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