Could you become a SCAM watchdog?

The Friends Against Scams campaign is appealing for people in Filey and Hunmanby to become SCAM watchdogs.

Organisers are appealing for carers, volunteers, charities and agencies who work with elderly and vulnerable members of the community to get involved.

Results from the recent national crime survey identified that fraud is the most commonly experienced crime in the UK with 3.6 million fraud offences being recorded last year. The Friends Against Scams campaign, that is being run by the National Trading Standards Scams Team, aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams.

Police and crime commissioner Julia Mulligan has arranged for seven awareness sessions to take place in North Yorkshire during the first week in February.

Each session is split into two parts. The first hour provides an overall awareness of scams, whilst the second hour provides the skills and resources so attendees can become champions and run their own awareness sessions for the people they care for, colleagues and friends.

Julia said: “Scams and fraud was one of the top five priorities mentioned by people during the consultation for my police and crime plan so I am really pleased to be able to provide this opportunity and raise awareness of this blight on our communities.

“These types of crime don’t only have a devastating emotional effect on their victims but they also take away their life long savings and security for the future.

“I want to encourage people working with elderly or vulnerable people to come along so that they can learn new skills and provide an enhanced care for their communities.” The nearest session takes place in Scarborough on Friday February 10 starting at 09:00 and 11:30.

To book go to www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/session.php?xCmd=find