Published: Monday, 2nd December 2024
With the festive season fast approaching, Cannock Chase Council is relaunching its ‘STOP the Scams’ campaign, encouraging residents to stay vigilant against fraud.
Scammers often target people during busy holiday periods, taking advantage of the season’s shopping, gatherings, and charitable giving. The Council’s Community Safety team is determined to help residents recognise, avoid, and report scams - to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Fraud takes many forms, from fake online deals and phishing emails to doorstep scams, postal schemes and text messages. Sadly, older residents over the age of 65 are particularly at risk, and the Council’s campaign aims to reduce the number of people affected by sharing practical tips for spotting fraud and reporting suspicious activities.
As part of the campaign, residents can pick up a handy guide packed with essential tips on avoiding scams and accessing support services. These guides will be available at various locations, including GP surgeries, charity shops, libraries, leisure centres, and the Council’s Independent Living Schemes. Key messages will also be featured prominently on refuse and housing vehicles, in local newspapers, and across social media. Additionally, a dedicated radio campaign will run throughout the festive season, helping to raise awareness of fraud risks during Christmas and into the New Year.
Cannock Police will also be holding pop-up crime prevention and police drop-in centres throughout December. These events give residents the chance to meet local officers and PCSOs, ask questions, and pick up tips on staying safe.
The first event will take place on Tuesday, 3 December, in Cannock and Rugeley town centres. In Cannock, it coincides with Market Day, and officers will be handing out card minders to help protect against contactless payment fraud. For those in Hednesford, the team will be at the Christmas Fair at The Aquarius on Wednesday, 4 December.
Councillor David Williams, Portfolio Leader for Community Wellbeing said: "The festive season is a joyful time, but it’s also when scammers often try to exploit our community’s goodwill and vulnerabilities. Fraudsters are using increasingly advanced and believable methods to extract money from individuals, and by relaunching ‘STOP the Scams,’ we’re making sure everyone has the knowledge and support needed to stay safe. This campaign will help people recognise scams, avoid fraudsters, and know exactly where to go for assistance.”
Deputy Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Dave Evans said: “Fraud is often sophisticated, organised and technologically advanced. In Staffordshire, around 70% of personal fraud has an online element, but more traditional methods are still also in operation.
“It is a crime that does not discriminate, and anyone can become a victim, but older residents can be particularly vulnerable.
“I encourage everyone to take steps to becoming more scam-savvy ahead of the festive season and to make use of the drop-in sessions by Cannock Police during December if necessary.”
If you suspect a scam, don’t hesitate to REPORT it. Call Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk.
Funded by the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Locality Deal Fund, this initiative is part of the Council’s broader effort to safeguard all residents. To download a copy of the guide visit www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/itsascam.