The Friends Against Scams training, is part of the #Scamaware campaign to make people in Cambridgeshire more aware of possible scams.

Since January this year, 16 sessions have been delivered across the county, resulting in over 150 new ‘friends’ who the team hope are using their knowledge to protect themselves against scams.

These new ‘friends’ help the NTS Scams Team move close to their target of one million ‘friends’ by 2020.

As well as Friends Against Scam’s training, Cambridgeshire County Council are aiming to spread awareness in other ways, particularly within vulnerable communities.

By working at a local level within Cambridgeshire communities the team encourages people to look out for one another as to report any suspected scams to Action Fraud.

As part of Scam Awareness month, the county are hoping to educate the public about scammers and take a stand against the crime.

Following the success of last years campaign, the aim this year is to reduce the stigma around scams and to encourage people to come forward using the different tools that are available.

Each week in June will focus on a different group of people that are being targeted by scammers, in order to raise awareness.

The community Protection Team will be running 13 events throughout 2018 in libraries, community centres and local hotspots around Cambridgeshire to equip people with advice and information about what to do if they feel they have been scammed.

Councillor Steve Criswell, Chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Communities and Partnership Committee said, “‘Don’t miss a trick - be scam aware’ is our message to people.

“It can sometimes be hard to tell a scam from a genuine approach, but always remember to take a step back and think about what you’re being asked to do – if you feel uncomfortable or it seems suspicious, then it probably is.

“Scammers are always on the search for their next victim. Make sure you’re ‘ScamAware’ and report the incident if you feel unsure. For more information visit our website to find out how you can keep yourself and loved ones safe.”

Nationally there are over 43,000 Friends Against Scams – could you be one too? Keep an eye on the Council’s social media accounts and look out for the hashtag #ScamAware for videos, tips and information.

Councillor Steve Criswell, Chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Communities and Partnership Committee said, “‘Don’t miss a trick - be scam aware’ is our message to people.

“It can sometimes be hard to tell a scam from a genuine approach, but always remember to take a step back and think about what you’re being asked to do – if you feel uncomfortable or it seems suspicious, and then it probably is.

“Scammers are always on the search for their next victim. Make sure you’re ‘ScamAware’ and report the incident if you feel unsure. For more information visit our website to find out how you can keep yourself and loved ones safe.”

Keep an eye on the Council’s social media accounts and look out for the hashtag #ScamAware for videos, tips and information.