Protect yourself from con artists

TRADING Standards officers are heading out and about in Halton to raise awareness about scams.

Specialist officers will visit the Halton Credit Union office on Queen’s Avenue in Widnes between 9.30am and 12.30pm on Thursday, July 21.

The visit is designed for anyone who wants to find out more about what types of scams are around and how they can protect themselves.

The Trading Standards team has been working with people who have either been targeted or caught out by scammers and who together have lost more than £280,000.

The team also visited the Halton Credit Union’s office in Runcorn Shopping Centre on Tuesday, July 19.

Christine Heesom, chief executive officer at Halton Credit Union, said: “We’re glad to be working with Halton Trading Standards to raise the awareness of scams with Halton residents.

“Scams can happen to the most astute of people in our society and individuals shouldn’t be afraid or embarrassed to admit they’ve fallen for a scam.

“The more people talk about their experiences, the more we can prevent other people being caught out”.

Halton Credit Union offers cost effective finance options for anyone living or working in Halton.

Since 2002, it has loaned more than £21.5m to its members, with loans provided for reasons including Christmas and holidays, as well as smaller amounts to help with things like school uniforms.

The organisation has provided financial help to those who cannot access ordinary bank products.

They also provide an alternative to payday loan companies, doorstep lending and to illegal money lenders.

Cllr Dave Cargill, Halton Council’s executive board member for Trading Standards, said: “It’s important that people realise that there are all types of scams and new ones come along all the time.

“People get caught out by them for all sorts of reasons and everybody is capable of being scammed, the scammer just has to find your vulnerability.”

Residents who are either scam victims themselves or know someone who is can call either 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775.