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Trading Standards work to keep public safe from scams

Several key events will be held during Safeguarding Adults Week

Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards are running two activities during Safeguarding Adults week this year to assist people in spotting and stopping scams, preventing scammers from having a lasting impact on their wellbeing.

Free advice

Everyone is welcome to join the free webinar on Tuesday 21 November at 10.30am, focused on how to spot and stop a scam, including essential information on why having a Power of Attorney matters. It will have live subtitles and also be signed in British Sign Language. The first speaker will be from Trading Standards and the second speaker will be from Age UK.

On Friday 24 November Trading Standards Officers, Scam Champion volunteers and Surrey Police will be in attendance at Squires Garden Centres across Surrey to chat with all Black Friday shoppers and residents about how to spot and stop scams and frauds.

The Squires Garden Centre drop-ins will take place from 10am to 3pm at the following locations:

  • Bagshot Lea
  • Chertsey
  • Cobham
  • Hersham
  • Milford
  • Reigate
  • West Horsley
  • Woking

Importance of being scam aware

Being scammed can be a harrowing experience that can have a long-lasting impact on wellbeing. Studies have shown that elderly people who are scammed are more likely to move to a residential care home than those who aren't. There is a strong link between effective safeguarding and mental wellbeing and these activities during Safeguarding Adults Week, seek to educate individuals to spot and stop scams themselves.

For more information on how to avoid scams see Surrey's Trading Standards webpage and sign up to their regular newsletter.

Visit the Surrey Safeguarding Adults Board website to find out more about Safeguarding Adults Week.

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