‘Scampaign’ launched to protect Suffolk people

A crackdown on rogue traders and cold callers is being launched as part of Suffolk Trading Standards’ six month long ‘Scampaign’.

Coinciding with Scams Awareness Month 2012, Trading Standards will use this unique campaign to examine the huge range of scams that Suffolk people are continually exposed to.

Each month will focus on a different issue, including doorstep selling, E- crime and ticketing scams.

Along with trained and experienced Trading Standards officers, a cohort of ‘Consumer Champions’ will be offering invaluable advice and guidance to help protect vulnerable members of the community.

Consumer Champions are volunteers that act as a bridge between Trading Standards and the local community. They make it easier for people to access information about consumer protection and to build resilience against rogue traders and scams.

Using the latest social media technology, from Facebook to Twitter, the county’s 152 champions are the first line of defence when it comes to keepingSuffolka rogue free zone.

Councillor Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Protection said; “Targets of scams, often the elderly or vulnerable, can find themselves on the receiving end of wave after wave of letters, emails, phone calls and visits to their doorstep.

“This is simply unacceptable and something we need to tackle head on in our county. We want to come away from our ‘Scampaign’ feeling we have educated and empowered Suffolk people to identify the warning signs and have the confidence to say ‘no’ to these unscrupulous scammers.”