Scam Mail and what to do with it!

In recent months there have been frequent references to the dangers of scam mail, particularly with vulnerable older people. A national campaign tells the story of Jessica, a pensioner who parted with many thousands of pounds in pursuit of a large fake cash prize.
Scam mail are letters made to look as if they are important documents, hoping to trick the recipient into sending them money or disclose personal information about themselves or family members.
People who send out scam mail, termed 'scammers', will use every trick in the book to get you to part with your cash including:
- You have won a lottery or competition...but you have to send money
- Money you have won is being held in a holding company...but you have to send money
- Somebody has left you an inheritance but you have to send money
- A clairvoyant can stop bad luck or direct good luck towards you....but you have to send money

Scammers also send out catalogues guaranteeing a prize to those who order goods. They make it appear that you are the only one to be getting this amazing offer. They never send the promised prize but they do send out more promises in order to get more orders. Other examples of scams include:
The jewellery scam where worthless pieces of Jewellery are accompanied by certificates of authenticity again this scam promises a prize for those who buy
Millions of pounds are being sent to companies such as Vitamail & Biotonic by people who are led to believe they will receive a prize if they order vitamins and health products. Recorded phone messages telling the victim to look out for the cheque arriving are used to make the scam look even more convincing.
Scams can claim to be from debt recovery agencies threatening court action if a bogus overdue utility bill isn't paid within 7 days (a great many trusting elderly people fall for this scam). Criminals can also use religion as a way of deceiving victims, often claiming they are going to pray at Lourdes
Scammers get our details from genuine direct marketing lists that categorise us as being elderly. They use telephone surveys or by us answering advertisements placed in newspapers and magazines by criminals, often claiming to be clairvoyants
We are targeted because we have responded to a tempting letter, offer or advertisement. Anybody who responds to the tempter will then have his or her details put on a so called suckers list
A suckers list is a list of names and addresses that scammers collect. It is a list of all the people who fell for the tempter trick and more than likely could be tricked again
They sell it to other scammers all around the world and consequently your seemingly exciting mail will soon start to increase, as more and more criminals try their luck at getting their hands on your cash

Scam mail is often time sensitive giving the victim short deadlines in which to reply, as the mail increases many victims are on a treadmill. Victims in their 70s, 80s and 90s will spend all day reading, sorting and  replying to the mail. They become mentally exhausted causing fatigue and confusion, making them even more vulnerable.
There is a very simple rule, if it seems too good to be true then it certainly is too good to be true.
No matter how authentic the letter do not send any money, do not reply.
If you are in any doubt then please consult a member of your family or ring Lancashire Trading Standards on 0845 6001352.