Welsh Labour MP Chris Elmore has spoken out in parliament about a telephone scam targeting people in his Ogmore constituency, leaving some ashamed and in tears.

Mr Elmore’s comments come as he pledges his support to a trading standards initiative aimed at tackling scams and encouraging victims to come forward.

Becoming a #scambassador sees him join forces with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) and the National Trading Standards Scams Team as part of the wider Stand Against Scams¹ initiative.

Speaking during a parliamentary debate Mr Elmore praised the work of trading standards but warned budget cuts mean they cannot reach their full potential.

He said one particular scam had affected a number of his constituents - and has also been reported in the Abergavenny area.

He said: “Residents have been targeted with an automated voicemail message claiming to be from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and warning of an impending lawsuit.

“Claiming to be from HMRC is a common tactic used by criminals and, unfortunately, it is often successful.

“I have had constituents contacting my office in tears, ashamed to have been caught out and unclear as to where to go to report what has happened to them.

“We have an ageing population, many of whom are living with dementia, which is due to increase in the coming years if we believe health experts, and scammers are deploringly exploiting the condition of many elderly people.”

Since 2009 the total trading standards budget for Great Britain has dropped from £213 million to £124 million, which equates to an average of £1.99 per person, per year².

Meanwhile, the number of trading standards officers in post has dropped by 53%, in the same period, and it is estimated that 95% of scams go unreported.

Leon Livermore, CTSI chief executive, said: “About £52 billion³ is lost to scams every year and while it is often society’s most vulnerable it is important to remember that anyone can fall victim.

“The impact is often heart-breaking and we know of people who have lost their life savings or even re-mortgaged their homes after becoming a repeated target.”

Louise Baxter, manager of the NTS Scams Team, said: "The tactics used by scammers leave victims socially isolated and ashamed of telling their friends and families what’s really going on behind closed doors.

"I would encourage all those that are interested in showing their support to join the campaign and be part of our #scambassador network which is already starting to grow.”

Anyone who thinks they have been the victim of a scam call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 www.actionfraud.police.uk To become a #scambassador email [email protected]