North East MP and MEP join forces to tackle rogue trader rip off

Sharon Hodgson MP has joined forces with her European counterpart Stephen Hughes MEP to warn local businesses of the thousand pound threat posed by foreign fraudsters after they targeted a local club.

The Parliamentarians are concerned that business across the North East could fall foul of attempts to get hold of thousands of pounds in false ‘advertising fees’ from fake listings brochures such as the European City Guide and the European Directory.

Targeted businesses are offered a ‘free’ entry into the brochure, only to find themselves faced with bills of up to £1000 arriving in the post weeks later for a non existent advertising.  Mrs Hodgson and Mr Hughes are advising anyone targeted to get in touch with Trading Standards and not to part with any money.  In addition Mrs Hodgson has written to Europe Minister Chris Bryant to urge him to take action whilst Mr Hughes is pushing for a report by the EU’s Legal Affairs Committee.

Mrs Hodgson said:
“I was contacted by a Working Men’s Club in my constituency who had been receiving requests for £1000 payments from the European City Guide. I think it is particularly cruel that during a recession when local businesses are working hard to create jobs there are people trying to rip them off. I would advise anyone else who receives any contact from any of these organisations to pass it straight to Trading Standards. It was no surprise to me that Stephen knew exactly what was going on and I hope he has success in trying to change the law in Europe to close them down.”

Mr Stephen Hughes said:
“I have been working with the European Commission on this issue for a number of years as there have been many local businesses and charities stung by this scam.  The problem is that although we have been successful in passing laws at EU level to make such practices illegal when they affect individuals, unfortunately, there continues to be a loop-hole which means that businesses and charities are not protected.  I am calling for urgent action at EU level to close that loop-hole in the law."

Mr Eric Wilkinson of the North Biddick Working Men's Club said:
“I’m pleased that Sharon and Stephen have stepped in to try and help out.  I couldn’t believe it when the bills started coming through after we signed up.  It has been a real cause for concern and I’m glad I don’t have to worry about it any longer.  The literature was all very persuasive and we thought we were getting a bargain.  I would warn anyone else not to be taken in and turn the offer down.”

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Photo attached showing Sharon Hodgson MP and Eric Wilkinson examining the small print of the contract at North Biddick Club, Fatfield, Washington.

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Sharon Hodgson MP
House of Commons,
London SW1A 0AA

E-mail: hodgsons@parliament.uk

Constituency Office Tel. 0191 417 2000.