Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office is supporting a national campaign to encourage more people to take a stand against scams.
This week (28 October), Trading Standards’ Friends Against Scams campaign is celebrating its third anniversary. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the different types of scams and how to spot and support a victim.
Over the last three years, more than 280,000 people have signed up to become Friends and the team is hoping to reach their next target of 333,333 people during the anniversary week.
Every year millions of people across the UK fall prey to scammers, costing consumers up to £10 billion a year – and Staffordshire residents are no exception.
As part of the Commissioner’s Office’s ongoing commitment to educate and support those who may be vulnerable to scams, Deputy Commissioner Sue Arnold became a Friends Against Scams SCAMbassador in 2018.
Sue said: “I am proud to be a SCAMbassador and would encourage anyone to join the campaign and become part of our SCAMbassador network.
“Scammers often target the most vulnerable people in society, leaving them feeling isolated and ashamed to tell their friends and families what is going on, but the reality is that anyone can become a victim.
“Scams damage lives and can hurt people financially, physically and emotionally. By supporting the Friends Against Scams campaign, you can help to protect yourself and those closest to you.”
For more information about Trading Standards’ campaign, or to take part in a short online scam awareness session, visit www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/elearning. To find out more about becoming a SCAMbassador, visit www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/scambassador
