DON’T BE FOOLED THIS APRIL, CHARITIES WARN YOUNG PEOPLE

YOUNG people could be at higher risk from financial scams, a leading group of youth charities is warning.  The consortium of organisations- National Youth Agency, Citizens Advice, Rathbone, UK Youth, YouthNet, Youth Access; who work to support young people says they may be more internet savvy than their parents, but they’re also more likely to be caught out because they spend more time online and are less experienced with managing money.

"It’s not just on April Fool’s Day that people get tricked. Internet scams run all year round, and young people can be specific targets of certain types of scams. Young people conduct more of their lives online. They’re more likely to be using social media where their personal information may be available, and they’re more likely to shop on the internet than older generations, which can make them more vulnerable."  said Gillian Guy from Citizens Advice, one of the charities taking part in the project.

In order to avoid falling victim to a scam, Citizens Advice says young people should take the following steps:-

► be sceptical - if it sounds too good to be true it probably is, so bin it, delete it or hang up

► find out who you’re dealing with and check with trusted friends and family, or organisations such as Citizens Advice, Consumer Direct or ActionFraud

► take your time and refuse to be pressured into making a quick decision

► reduce unwanted post and phone calls by registering for mail and telephone preference services at:- stayprivate.org, run by Consumer Focus.

The group of charities has highlighted 7 common scams targeting young people.

1. Ringtones:- Tricksters take payment for ringtones but don’t deliver, or they sign up young people for monthly fees that can add up to a small fortune over a year.

2. Texts:- Fake text messages such as "ring this number for an urgent message from your mum and dad" lead to the user running up a huge phone bill.

3. Talent scouts:- Victims are invited to take a screen test, join a modelling agency or be part of a sports school, but there’s a hidden fee for supposedly ‘free’ consultations.

4. Scholarships:- These scams charge students for out of date lists of scholarships, and ‘guarantees’ of scholarship money that never materialise.

5. Bogus competitions:- Victims are lured into giving out personal information about themselves or their families under the guise of participating in an online competition or survey.

6. Email:- "Try this... it really works". An email with an intriguing message is apparently sent from someone in the young person’s address book, but the hyperlink installs spyware.

7. Social Networking:- A reported Facebook scam involved a fake modelling agency inviting teenage girls to send pictures of themselves.

PLENTY OF EGG-CITING FOOTBALL THIS EASTER IN SOUTHPORT

FOOTBALLERS will be hoping mad to miss out this Easter as a brand new community 6 a side league which is kicking off in Southport promises plenty of "egg-citment."

The league, which is to be held at Greenbank High School on Tuesday has Leisure Leagues price guarantee that they will always have the lowest match costs in the area.

Leisure Leagues; Europe’s largest provider of 5 and 6 a side football; who operate the league have "buck-ed" the recent trend of recession and cutbacks, managing to expand their business in the last 12 months and they now operate over 400 leagues throughout the UK.

And, reckoned Executive League Manager, Chris Rowntree, there has never been a better time to join:- "Spring is well and truly with us. The fantastic weather we have all been enjoying recently proves that, and 2012 is going to be a tremendous year, both in sporting terms with the European Championships and of course the Olympics, but also for the whole of Britain, with the Queen’s golden jubilee creating a feel good factor."

Chris said that these communal events were something that fitted in well with the ethos of Leisure Leagues, commenting:- "You read a lot in the papers about the breakdown of communities, and we feel that it is very important for us to use our leagues almost as a positive force in people’s lives. "

The profits from the league are donated to charities and good causes, with The Dogs Trust, Cancer Research and The National Blind Children’s Society amongst the beneficiaries.

The leagues all feature qualified referees with all equipment provided, with teams competing for prizes including massive trophies for each player, champagne and free entry to the National 6 a side Championships for the top 2.

Anyone who wants to join the leagues in Southport can ring:- 0845 230 2340 to "rabbit" with a member of staff, or log on to:- leisureleagues.net.

Easter Weekend's Southport Town And Country Fair

OVER 7 April to 9 April 2012, the Garden Festivals company will be holding its annual Easter Town and Country Fair at Stanley Sports College, Marshside, Southport. The event will see the return of many of its popular entertainments from Gymnastics to Sheepdog Trials, Donkey Rides to Air Rifle Shooting, not forgetting Archery and even a Reptile House... This event will be good, light entertainment for all the family, no matter the age. So visit:- garden-festivals.com for more information.