London Trading Standards are backing a new ‘Friends Against Scams’ campaign which seeks to raise awareness of scams and encourage people to take a stand against them.
Scams often target people in vulnerable situations – the Friends Against Scams campaign aims to protect and prevent these people from becoming victims of scams by empowering communities to ‘Take a Stand Against Scams’.
Each year scams cause between £5bn and £10bn worth of detriment to UK consumers. In addition to the financial impact, scams can have a severe emotional and psychological impact on victims.
Scam facts
- Only 5% of people report scams
- Anyone can be a victim of scams regardless of age
- Over 50% of over 65s have been targeted by scams
- People defrauded in their homes are 2½ times more likely to die, or go into a care home, within a year
The Friends Against Scams campaign, launched by the National Trading Standards Scams Team, is open to anyone who wants to protect themselves, their neighbours or their loved ones against scams.
Free training and awareness sessions – available online and in person at local awareness sessions – are being rolled out, which will provide people with the confidence and skills they need to identify and prevent scams.
Those who participate in the training will become a Friend Against Scams and will be encouraged to put their knowledge to use in their local communities.
Visit Friends Against Scams for further information.
