Scammers netting £100m every year

Kerry McAuley adds a scam letter to the TSS 'Wall of Shame'

Bogus lotteries and prize draw scams are costing people in Northern Ireland £100m a year, Trading Standards have said.

The consumer body released details of pensioners who have lost their life savings to con artists.

They said an 80-year-old man in County Down lost more than £70,000 to the European Lottery Guild scam.

TS Officer Kerry McAuley said scammers use "sophisticated psychological techniques" to target people.

She urged relatives and carers of vulnerable people, particularly the elderly, to be alert for warning signs.

These include them receiving a lot of junk mail, having a lot of cheap-looking goods - such as jewellery or health products, in their home - and receiving frequent calls from strangers.

Another indicator could be them becoming secretive when discussing finances with family or friends.

This month is Scams Awareness Month and a TSS roadshow is touring Northern Ireland to offer advice on beating the scammers, featuring a Wall of Shame detailing scam letters sent in by the public.

If you think you may have been the victim of a scam, report it to Consumerline - call 0845 600 6262 or log on to www.consumerline.org.