Lincolnshire residents urged to ‘share a scam’ and win a prize

Residents could win a trueCall machine worth £120 if they report a scam to Trading Standards by Friday June 6.

It comes as the county council service is urging more people to report scams to help prevent residents from being duped.

Last year, 352 county residents reported a scam, although many more may have been caught out.

From the reports, the ones that generated the most complaints include scammers falsely claiming they work for a PPI company, a bank, a major computer firm or a solar panel business.

There has also been an increase in copycat websites that can easily trick consumers into thinking they are ordering a new passport or renewing their driving license on an official website.

Tim Dawson, Principal Trading Standards Officer, said: “Scammers keep coming up with new ways to deceive unsuspecting residents, especially the elderly and vulnerable, into thinking it’s their lucky day.

“The scams may seem very sincere and appealing but it is important residents know how to spot these scams, which would normally leave you out of pocket.

“There is no shame in falling for a scam – it is fraud carried out by organised criminals. Please report it to us and help us to keep residents money in their own pockets.”

Top tips for spotting a scam:

• If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.

• You can’t win a lottery you haven’t bought a ticket for.

• Genuine companies don’t ask for money to give you a prize.

• You shouldn’t ever feel pressured to make a decision straight away.

• You shouldn’t have to give bank details over the phone.

For more advice on how to avoid scams please visit www.adviceguide.org.uk

To enter the competition, call 08454 04 05 06.