Rugby’s MP is highlighting the threat posed by unscrupulous scams, as part of Scam Awareness Month, 2017.
Scam Awareness Month aims to raise the importance of being able to recognise scams and speaking up about them.
This year, Scam Awareness Month is being run in conjunction with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and Citizens Advice. Throughout July, the national campaign has aimed to increase the reporting of scams and reduce the stigma surrounding those affected. The goal is to get more people to be active on social media about this issue, and for constituents to be provided with the necessary avenues for support if they are worried about scams.
Anyone affected by a scam should report it to the UK's national fraud and cyber-crime reporting centre, Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Mark said:
“As Rugby’s MP I have taken up cases on behalf of Rugby residents and been able to help some people who have been unfortunate enough to fall victim to the underhand techniques of scammers. However, fewer than 15% of all scams are ever reported, and the National Audit Office estimated that £10 billion was lost in 2016 to scams and fraud.”
Mark continued:
“Over the past few years, with the increased number of people using digital communications, scams have become increasingly sophisticated. There is a higher risk of becoming a victim, even if you think you would not fall for a scam. This is another reason why more scams need to be reported in order to prevent them in the future.”
Mark concluded:
“Citizens Advice do great work helping those affected by scams, alongside of the police. I would encourage anyone who has been affected by a scam, or who knows of a scam taking place, to contact either Citizens Advice or report it directly to Action Fraud. Only by raising awareness will we crack down on scams.”