Credit crunch cons warning
December 9th, 2008 | by Lynn Connelly |Trading Standards are warning consumers to be wary of con merchants claiming to offer loans and services.
Complaints about illegal money lending, internet scams and counterfeit goods are on the increase and in the run up to Christmas, many families are falling victim to confidence tricksters in their efforts to have a cut price yuletide.
In Anglesey, the Trading Standards office has joined forces with Wales newly formed Illegal Money Lending Unit to investigate, and prosecute, illegal money lenders and provide support for the victims.
The new unit is expecting a continued rise in the numbers of people who turn to loan sharks as credit from banks and on card becomes more difficult to get, and when money is tight, people may be tempted to look at other alternatives or even ‘get-rich-quick’ schemes.
Other examples of cons that the unit is investigating include doorstep rogue builders offering to do work cheap, but then demanding large sums of money for little or no work done.
Anglesey’s chief trading standards officer, David Riley, said, “Dishonest and illegal traders will not be tolerated on Anglesey, as they prey on vulnerable people at what is often their most crucial hour of need.”
If you suspect you’ve been ripped off or have taken out a loan from a source that’s proved suspect, you can find details of your local Trading Standards office at www.tradingstandards.gov.uk