Residents are being urged to sign up to a scheme to protect vulnerable people in their community against becoming victims of scams.
The new scheme ‘Friends Against Scams’ has been launched by National Trading Standards to help communities rally against scammers and to help people not fall for their trickery.
Three Cabinet members from Hammersmith & Fulham Council have already signed up as ‘Scambassadors’ for the scheme so they can raise the issue at local and national levels.
“Victims of scams often become lonely, experience social isolation and shame,” said Cllr Sue Fennimore, H&F Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and one of the Scambassadors.
“The scheme will help raise awareness of the issue among our local communities. Through the scheme people are encouraged to talk about it and support each other and this will help more isolated individuals be better informed and better protected.”
Also signed up to the campaign are Cllr Wesley Harcourt, H&F Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Residents’ Services and Cllr Vivienne Lukey, H&F Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care.
Friends Against Scams hopes residents, friends, family members and council officers will share the message to help make H&F a scam-free borough.
Did you know?
- More than 50 per cent of over 65s have been targeted by scams
- It is estimated that five million people across the UK are a victim of a scam every year.
- Only five per cent of scams are reported
- People defrauded in their homes are 2.5 times more likely to die or go into a care home within a year.
If you would like to become a ‘Friend Against Scams’ contact the Hammersmith & Fulham Trading Standards Team by emailing trading.standards@lbhf.gov.uk or by calling 020 8753 1081.
