Scams awareness month coming up - National Campaign Launch in Nairn

NATIONAL CAMPAIGN LAUNCH FOR NAIRN

A national campaign is to launch in Nairn. Scams Awareness Month will run from July 2nd, kicking-off with an event on Nairn High Street that day. 

The Scotland-wide drive will see consumers reminded that scams ‘come in all shapes and sizes’ and affect everybody. Nairn has been chosen by Citizens Advice Scotland for the launch due to its outstanding past campaigning record in this and other areas.

Campaigning materials will encourage the public to ‘End the call, trash the email, rip-up the letter and close the door.’ Further, those who suspect scams are being asked to spread the word, with the hope of protecting others.

Nairn Citizens Advice Bureau manager Gill MacLean said: “People who have been scammed shouldn’t be ashamed. Many scams are extremely clever, and scammers convincing. They hit everyone, from teenagers online to pensioners at the doorstep. Scammers don’t care about feelings, and that’s why we’re sending out a clear message: hit the ‘end call’ button, bin the email and the letter, close the door.”

From 11am until 3pm at Academical Square, CAB staff and volunteers, Trading Standards representatives and Police Scotland will be available to chat over free coffee, tea and cakes. At 11.30 and 1.30, short talks will be given on topics including the history of scams and how trading standards deal with scammers. 

Gordon Robb, Trading Standards Manager at Highland Council said “We are delighted once again to be supporting Scams Awareness Month, in partnership with local Citizens Advice Bureaux. The launch event in Nairn on July 2nd is the first of a number of events to be held across Highland, during the month of July, to raise awareness of scams and how to prevent them.’

Gill MacLean continued: “We hope it’ll be a relaxed, informal affair but with interesting and serious messages. We also want the public to know that Nairn CAB can help with this type of thing, as can the Citizens Advice consumer service line [03454 04 05 06]. Scams can also be reported to Action Fraud [0300 123 2040].’