Dorset Council Trading Standards has become a Friends Against Scams Organisation, committed to take a stand against scams in Dorset!
Scams are fraud and many people are contacted by criminals by post, phone, online or on the doorstep. It’s a huge problem with the UK detriment estimated to be up to £10 billion each year. Over half of people aged 65 and over have been targeted by criminal scams. Age UK found that worryingly only 5 percent of people report scams, so 95 percent of people don’t. Silence is a scammer’s best friend as it allows perpetrators of these crimes to continue unchallenged and victims to remain unsupported.
There is a scam for everyone and anyone can be affected. Young people can be scammed when buying a first mobile phone or paying online letting agents for student accommodation. Older people my fall for fake lotteries, prize draws and catalogue scams. Others may lose money when contacted out of the blue by someone purporting to be from their bank. Loneliness can lead to grooming by international criminals offering potential relationships, romance or contact with the dead.
People who are more vulnerable to scams can receive multiple contacts a day by fraudsters and there are many reasons why people reply. Some feel they have an obligation to respond to letters, or enjoy the routine of opening and responding to post. Some people want to receive the cheque for their promised winnings, never stopping to consider all the monies already paid over time to receive those winnings. Others will be groomed into believing they are part of an honest relationship when they are not.
Friends Against Scams aims to break the silence around scams, giving people information to be able to spot the signs of a scam, talk with and support others and report scams. It is a national and growing scheme that aims to recruit 1 million ‘Friends’ by 2020.
Anyone can become a ‘Friend’, many people are, and you could too. Visit the national website www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk to learn more about scams, to find a local face-to-face session, or to complete 20 minutes of online learning.
Jon Harris, Principal Trading Standards Officer at Dorset Council said:
“Being recognized as a Friend Against Scams Organisation will help us to spread the message about the benefits of becoming a ‘Friend’ to grow the scheme within local communities across Dorset. This is about continuing to raise awareness of scams to help people protect themselves against financial abuse by rogues.
Anyone can take a stand individually against scams and become a ‘Friend’ and other organisations can show their commitment by becoming a Friends Against Scams Organisation too.”
If you are concerned about a scam, want consumer advice, or want to report something to trading standards, then call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 040506 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer.
