We are pleased to announce that the Friends Against Scams App has been updated with the following features:
- Notifications and direct access to scam alerts from Which?
- Monthly scam quizzes to test knowledge of current scam trends
- Resources for practitioners and the public, including toolkits and educational materials
- Additional learning modules for professionals supporting scam victims
Alongside these updates, users can continue to check potential scams using the Ask Silver AI scams checker and complete the Friends Against Scams training directly from their phone.
The app is available for free on all Android and iOS devices and can be downloaded from the respective app stores using the below link or QR code:
https://linktr.ee/Friends_Against_Scams
Fun learning with quizzes
Toolkits, offering best-practise training on supporting scam victims and a reimbursement toolkit to help victims with their claims.
Training materials, presentations and handouts for interactive training sessions for a range of groups. Scam prevention,
Assets that can be used to promote scam prevention such as window stickers, posters and social media packs.
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. I provide a standard of service for victims of these crimes with a self-help sheet .
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.
See more details on the 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.
