Trading Standards’ name being used in new e-mail scam

Aug 21 2008 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

AN e-mail scam is using the name and reputation of Trading Standards to try to con people.

A bogus e-mail offering recipients a cash grant is using the name of the authorities which tackle scams.

The e-mail suggests that 'Trading Standards Central UK' are giving out a total of £1m a year in donations to 100 international recipients.

The real Trading Standards Central is a website run by the Trading Standards Institute, which offers advice to consumers and businesses.

It has no connection with the e-mail which is being circulated.

Ironically, Trading Standards are the main agency collating information and warning people about such scams.

Dave Roderick, trading standards manager for North Lanarkshire Council, said: "The purpose of such scams is either to get you to part with money for spurious 'arrangement fees' or to get hold of items such as bank account details to aid identity theft.

“We know of many people who have lost lots of money by replying to such correspondence.

“The best thing to do with such an e-mail is press the delete button.”