History

The National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team was founded in 2012 to tackle the problem of postal, telephone and doorstep scams. The team works across England and Wales with trading standards and partner agencies to investigate scams and identify and support those who are targeted by them.

Postal, telephone and doorstep scams are often targeted specifically at consumers who may be circumstantially vulnerable. It is estimated that the fraud and scams cost the UK economy

£219 billion a year and have devastating effects on those who are targeted.

Introduction to Support available

Tower Hamlets Crime Watch supports victims of fraud and scams. We provide a standard of service for victims of these crimes .

It reminds us of how we should treat all victims of crime, but with a focus on fraud and scams.

Research has shown that when people realise they have become a victim of a fraud or scam, their most common feelings were

• ‘anger’ at themselves, (46%),
• ‘stupid’ (40%) or
• ‘embarrassed’ (38%).

Victims of fraud and scams are not stupid, naïve, or greedy – they are victims of a crime.

We recognise the impact that fraud and scams can have on victims and we have the victims’ best interests as their primary consideration. We show empathy, understanding and compassion. We will also take the victims’ age, maturity, views, needs and concerns into account.

Who is a ‘victim’ ?

The definition of a ‘victim’ is a person who has suffered any type of harm, including physical, mental, or emotional harm or economic loss which was directly caused by a fraud or scam.

Agreeing to be part of the support network

If you wish to become part of the support network please do the following:

   complete the ‘Friends Against Scams’ training.

   watch the ‘What is coercive control’ video.

   Share your Fraud and Scams support on social media.    Support the NTS Scams Team No Blame. No Shame. campaign.

Support material will be made available for those who have completed training on the Friends Against Scams website. There is a log in Champions area.

We can furnish those who completed the appropriate training with support letters/forms to work through the problems with victims. Please contact us:

See more details on our website about scams here

Get involved

• Friend against Scams
• Scam champion
• Scam marshall
• Scam practitioner e-learning
• business against Scams
• Young friends
• Scam Ambassadors
• Friends against Scams organisation.