Member of Parliament for Delyn, Rob Roberts, has launched a new local scam awareness campaign aiming to inform his constituents of the potential threat of scammers, in light of recent local scam cases which have been targeted at vulnerable and elderly residents in Flintshire.
Scammers have targeted unsuspecting and vulnerable victims for a long time, whether it be online, over the phone or on your doorstep. Sadly, since the start of the Coronavirus outbreak the threat of scammers has only increased, with Citizens Advice finding that over a third of British adults have been the target of a scam since the beginning of lockdown. Additionally, over 50% of those at ‘an increased risk of coronavirus’ have been contacted by scammers, highlighting that the most vulnerable in our communities are often targeted.
North Wales Police have also recently issued a warning to local residents urging people to be aware of phone fraudsters, following a case in September where an elderly gentleman from Caergwrle lost over £6000 of his life savings. In this case, scammers called claiming to be the man’s bank, telling him to transfer money into a ‘safe account’.
Consequently, it is important for people to be aware of how scams work, so people can identify potential threats and scammers can be stopped from taking advantage of more people.
Following such worrying recent cases in the local area, Rob has set up a new campaign to provide constituents with information about common scams so they can protect themselves and others in their communities.
The Scam Awareness webpage provides key information regarding doorstep crime and common types of fraud including telephone, email and online fraud. The webpage also includes guidance on how to identify scams, how to avoid them, how to report different types of scams and who to contact if you think you have been a victim of fraud.
Commenting on the launch of his Scam Awareness campaign, Rob said:
“I was saddened to hear of the recent scam cases in my constituency, especially knowing that the most vulnerable within our local communities will be most at risk of falling victim to such horrible crimes.
“I urge all my constituents to be aware and to stay informed about the tactics and methods scammers use to gain access to personal and financial details, especially as the threat of scams has increased during the Coronavirus pandemic.
“I am glad to have set up my new Scam Awareness Campaign, to help provide information, advice and guidance to my constituents about the threat scammers can pose to anyone.”
To gain information and advice about common scams and how to avoid them, visit Rob’s Scam Awareness webpage at: https://www.rjroberts.co.uk/campaigns/scam-awareness
Rob and his team are also happy to help those who may have worries about potential local scams or who have been a victim of a scam. Rob urges constituents to get in touch via his email at: rob.roberts.mp@parliament.uk