The Monmouthshire Trading Standards service is supporting National Safeguarding Day on 29th February by encouraging the community to take a stand against scams and to raise awareness of this debilitating crime. Every year scams contribute an average of £9 billion loss to UK consumers, not to mention the devastating psychological effects on victims. Monmouthshire Trading Standards has identified more than 100 scams victims within the county over the past 18 months. These statistics highlight the extent of the crime and the increasing support required for those affected.

A core priority of the Monmouthshire Trading Standards service is to give a voice to these victims and to encourage potential targets and those who care for them to identify, prevent and report these crimes. Anyone can fall for a scam, but the National Trading Standards scams team has revealed the average age of a victim is 74. By taking advantage of their vulnerability, criminals use a variety of deceitful methods to encourage people to part with thousands of pounds. In one instance the team revealed that after months of grooming and false promises an elderly person parted with a million pounds to a fake lottery scam company. Locally Monmouthshire Trading Standards has supported a number of victims who have lost thousands of pounds.

Council Leader, Peter Fox said: “Unfortunately, situations such as these are common and can have shattering effects on a person’s life. Not only can they lose their life savings but also the confidence to leave their home and in some instances they develop health issues such as anxiety and depression. As devastating as these incidents are, scams are massively underreported. An estimated 1 in 20 people fall victim to scams every year, but fewer than 5% of them report their experience.”

Through the dedication of the local authority and the community as a whole, victims of these crimes can be identified and received much-needed help. Increased awareness will prevent the most vulnerable becoming victims and eventually the criminals responsible for so much suffering will be brought to justice.

Residents are asked to play a vital role by taking a stand against scams and being aware about how to spot one. Here are some things to look out for:

Phone calls, letters and emails received out of the blue

Being asked to send money to claim a prize

Notification of winnings when a competition wasn’t entered

Too good to be true offers

Pressure selling

Uninvited door step callers

Being asked share your personal details

Secrecy

Residents who suspect a scam or think or someone they know has been a victim of a scam should report it to the Citizens Consumer Advice Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 20 40.