The Scams Unit, Dudley Trading Standards
Who are the Scams Unit?
The Scams Unit is part of Dudley Trading Standards. We are a small team who raise awareness about scams. We offer support to people living in the Dudley Borough who have concerns about scams. They may have experienced scams themselves. Or they may have been the victim of this form of financial abuse. We can give people suggestions of how to stay safe from scams and avoid being a victim. In some scenarios, we may even be able to assist you in getting your money back. We look at all aspects of scams. They come into our lives in so many ways: phone calls, text messages, emails, online, in our post and people knocking our door.
Call Blocking
Call blocking is a brilliant of way of stopping scam calls. Call blockers are devices that connect to your house phone. It will give you the option of blocking scam and unwanted callers. You can also enquire with your phone line provider if they offer a call blocking service.
At present the Scams Unit have some free call blockers to loan out to people living in the Dudley Borough who are experiencing scam calls to their landline. Please contact us to see if you are eligible for one of our call blockers.
Top Tips
Never pursue call blocking services from a cold caller. These are likely to be scams. Most mobile phones now have the facility to block. If you receive scam call or text message to your mobile phone, check to see if you have the option of blocking the number. If you can, then remember to block numbers if you don’t want them to call or text you again.
Friends against scams training
Dudley Council is a ‘Friend Against Scams’ organisation.
Friends Against Scams online awareness training video.
Fix-A-Home
The Fix-A-home scheme is a reputable list run by Dudley Trading Standards. It contains a list of approved trades people to carry out maintenance work in your home and at a fair price. You can look at the Fix a Home booklet online.
You can request a copy of this booklet by:
Phone: 01384 818871
Telephone Preference Service
The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is the UK’s only official ‘Do Not Call’ register for landlines and Mobile numbers. It allows people and businesses to opt out of unsolicited live sales and marketing calls. It’s free and quick to register. Doing so will reduce the amount of unwanted sales and marketing calls you receive.
To register for this free service call 0345 070 0707 or register online
Mailing Preference Service
The Mailing Preference Service (MPS) is a free service. It enables consumers to have their names and home addresses removed from lists. It is to help prevent unsolicited mailings from companies.
To register for this free service call 0207 291 3310 or register online