TRADING standards officers have declared war on scams which are conning the public, including a Lottery con using Canary Wharf’ as a cover. Town Hall bosses in London’s East End are warning the public about tricksters and con’ merchants

TRADING standards officers have declared war on scams which are conning the public, including a Lottery con using Canary Wharf’ as a cover.

Town Hall bosses in London’s East End are taking part in National Scam Month to warn the public about tricksters and con’ merchants.

Bogus lotteries are some of the most popular scams. A fake Euro Millions Lottery’ is currently doing the rounds quoting the impressive “1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf” address to trick people to hand over their bank details, which has been hitting across the country.

Tower Hamlets Council has even set up its own Scamnesty’ with bins to encourage people to drop-off mailings they have received anonymously to help Trading Standards and the Office of Fair Trade in future investigations.

“We’re using Scam Awareness Month to warn people of the con artists out there who rip off vulnerable people,” said Tower Hamlets consumer affairs Lead member Abdal Ullah.

“Their scams come in all shapes and sizes, by phone, email, letters and door knocks.”

Nearly half Britain’s adult population has been targeted by a scam. Every year, three million, or one-in-15 adults, fall victim to deceptive and unsolicited mailings, phone calls or emails to con them out of their cash. Consumers lose a staggering �3,500 million to scams every year.

A Scamnesty’ stall and bin is being set up today (February 11), 10am to 3pm, at the Bow Idea Store library centre in Roman Road, tomorrow at Whitechapel Idea Store in Whitechapel Road, February 24 at Asda supermarket on the Isle of Dogs and February 26 at Poplar’s Idea Store in Chrisp Street.

People can forward scam emails to the Consumer Direct website or contact Tower Hamlets’ Trading Standards 020-7364 5008.