Rhondda Cynon Taf’s residents and businesses are being urged to turn the tide against cruel postal scammers who trick millions of pounds from people every year – by taking part in a “Scamnesty” at their local library|.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Trading Standards and Libraries services have joined forced to launch Scam Awareness month, which runs throughout the whole of May.

People who receive letters or leaflets – informing them of massive overseas Lottery wins and unforeseen monetary returns for just a few pounds’ investment up front – are being urged NOT to respond to them, but to instead hand them in to their local library.

Every single library branch in the County Borough will take part in the important campaign and all letters and leaflets that are submitted will be collected by Trading Standards officers.

The mailings will then be analysed and the information shared with partner agencies throughout the UK and abroad to assist with the ongoing campaign against those who try to trick money from others via postal scams.

 

It is estimated that millions of pounds a year are tricked from residents who respond to scams sent to them via the post – from within the UK and also abroad.

 

Often it is the elderly or the vulnerable who hand over their cash in order to “release” bogus Lottery wins or as “administration costs” for cash amounts coming their way.

In reality, the huge returns and rewards they are promised never arrive, leaving many residents out of pocket and also feeling vulnerable that they have been scammed in such a way.

It is estimated, in worst-case scenarios, victims are sending out hundreds of pounds a month over several years after being promised riches that never arrive.

David Jones, Head of Community Protection at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “We are proud of the proactive work we undertake within the County Borough, and also at a national and even international level with our partner agencies, to protect our public from such scams.

“Postal scams are well-known and we are determined to ensure our residents are aware of them and have the confidence to not only refuse to respond, but to also turn such scammers in, and turn the tide against them, by joining our ‘Scamnesty.

“It is free, confidential and easy. If they receive such a letter, they can turn it in to their local library with absolute confidence and discretion, helping us to turn the tide against such scammers.”

If you have a friend or relative that you think is responding to these letters, our Trading Standards officers can be contacted and can offer to visit to offer advice and assistance. If you want to hand in any suspicious letters you can do so at any Library during May. 

For further information or advice contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0845 404 0506.

Find your local library at the dedicated Library Pages|