Drop them in it! - Scam Awareness at Eastgate Centre, Inverness

20th May 2012

Throughout May, The Highland Council's Trading Standards officers are taking part in the 'Scamnesty 2012' national campaign in a bid to end the scourge of mass marketed scam mailings targeting UK consumers. A focus of the campaign is to invite the public to hand over scam mailings to Trading Standards Officers and Highland consumers will get a chance to do this on Friday when officers take a presence at the Eastgate Centre, Inverness.

Startling figures show that consumers in the UK lose around £3.5 billion to scams every year. Unfortunately as the UK heads for a second recession this figure may be set to rise as consumers feel the financial pinch due to rising prices and fuel costs. Consumers may be tempted to respond to mailings which promise either big cash prizes or get quick rich schemes as a result of either finding themselves out of work or not able to meet household bills.

The Highland Council's Trading Standards Officers are urging consumers to stop, think and then think again before they send money off or respond to these types of mailings.

Gordon Robb, Trading Standards Manager, said: "Our scam awareness event is part of an ongoing joint campaign with concerned partners such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, Stay Safe Project (Inverness) and Northern Constabulary all of whom deal with the victims and the effects of scams on a regular basis. When Scam Awareness Month ends at the end of this month we will collate information from the scam mailings dropped off by consumers. The collated information from scam mailings will provide both trading standards nationally and our enforcement partners with crucial intelligence as to the type of scams targeting the UK. This information will also inform trading standards of any new scams and tricks being devised by the scammers to get consumers to part with their money."

Alasdair Christie General Manager of Inverness Badenoch and Strathspey CAB added: "We have many folk approaching the bureau seeking help, advice and information after being the victim of scams. This event will raise awareness of the issues and potential risks. It is always worth remembering 'If it sounds too good to be true it probably is!"

Highland consumers who want to take part in Highland 'Scamnesty' campaign can either send or drop in their 'scam mailings' directly to: The Highland Council Trading Standards Office, 38 Harbour Road, Inverness throughout May 2012 or visit The Highland Council Trading Standards stall on Friday, 25th May at Eastgate Centre, Inverness.

For further information or advice about how to tackle scams concerned residents can contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08456 04 05 06.

Alternatively, if you have fallen victim to a scam or know of someone who has you can visit or write to Highland Council Trading Standards, 38 Harbour Road, Inverness IV1 1UF for free and confidential advice. For further Highland Trading Standards news please go to: www.highland.gov.uk/tradingstandardsnews

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Today : Local Authority

Launch of New Transport Service for Renal Patients in Highland

NHS Highland and The Highland Council are pleased to announce the launch of a new bespoke year-round transport service for renal haemodialysis patients across Highland.   Funded through a grant from NHS Highland, the service marks the first phase of a new approach to patient transport delivery, designed to support the long-term development of a more sustainable, flexible and community-focused transport model for Highland.  

Today : Local Authority

Economy and Infrastructure Committee to consider next steps on proposed Short Term Let Control Areas

Members of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee will meet next Monday (28 September 2026) to consider whether to progress proposals for new Short Term Let Control Areas across parts of Highland.   At the special meeting, councillors will be asked to consider the findings of a public consultation on proposed control areas covering Inverness City and a wider Highland Rural area, before deciding whether the proposals should be submitted to Scottish Ministers for approval.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Scotland's Local Government Reform: More Local Power or Mainly a Search for Savings?

The Scottish Government is proposing a major reshaping of local government, with fewer regional authorities and many more community-level bodies making decisions closer to where people live.   The language is about local democracy, stronger communities and bringing decisions closer to people.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Local Government Set For Huge Changes

Initial proposals designed to deliver fundamental reform of local governance have been set out to help shape the debate on improving public services.   The possible changes, if implemented, could help achieve a better balance of decision-making powers across the public sector to ensure investment is focused on delivering improved services.  

21/9/2026 : Local Authority

Council Tax Reform: Just How Many Scots Took Part in the Debate?

Council tax is one of those bills that most households know only too well.   It arrives every month or in a series of instalments, and it helps pay for services ranging from rubbish collection and roads to schools, social care and other council services.  

19/9/2026 : Local Authority

Why Scotland Is Reorganising Public Services – And Why Highland Could Feel the Impact More Than Most

Something important is happening in Scotland's public services, and it goes considerably further than another round of annual budget cuts.   The Scottish Government is now talking about changing the way public services themselves are organised.  

18/9/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council's £2.1 Billion Investment Plan: Could Higher Interest Rates Put the Squeeze on Future Budgets?

Highland Council is planning to spend around £2.1 billion over 20 years on schools, roads, housing, community facilities and other infrastructure.   It is an ambitious programme, and one which could bring considerable benefits across the Highlands.  

17/9/2026 : Local Authority

New Industry Connect Highland programme to strengthen links between schools and employers

Secondary schools and employers across the Highlands are coming together through a new partnership programme designed to connect classroom learning with future career opportunities and help develop the Highlands future workforce.   Industry Connect Highland, developed through My Highland Future and Workforce North, will run throughout the 2026/27 academic year with an initial focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).  

15/9/2026 : Local Authority

Help Shape Highland's Future: Call for Ideas Extended Until November

Communities, businesses and residents are being given extra time to share ideas that will influence future development and land use across Highland.   The Highland Council has an open Call for Ideas survey, which is inviting people to share ideas on future development and long-term land use in Highland.  

12/9/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness This Week A Region Facing Big Decisions on Energy, Money and Its Future

Caithness has had a busy week, although the individual stories might not initially appear to have much in common.   Look a little more closely, however, and a pattern begins to emerge.