Statement from National Trading Standards

Following media coverage this morning regarding repeat victims lists, National Trading Standards has published the following statement.

A spokesperson for National Trading Standards said:

“The National Trading Standards Scams Team works closely with partners to tackle mass marketing fraud. Part of this work includes identifying victims to help prevent cases of fraud from taking place, which has seen the team identify around 300,000 potential repeat victims. Allegations of ‘sitting on’ these names are quite simply untrue – the Team has arrangements in place with local authorities to refer victims’ names found on these lists to help local officers protect and safeguard victims. The Team is also working with the police, social care providers and financial institutions to raise awareness of scams and help identify and support victims.

“The team’s work – which was described in a recent independent report as 'delivering significant added value' – has delivered savings of £26,692,692 to consumers and saves consumers an estimated £81.50 for every £1 of funding received. This includes work to tackle mass marketing fraud at source and the joint initiative with Royal Mail has prevented some 22 million items of fraudulent mail from reaching UK households, saving consumers an estimated £99 million.

“We encourage communities to look out for loved ones and neighbours and report any suspected cases of mail fraud to contact Citizens Advice on 03454 04 05 06.”