This scams awareness fortnight Norfolk County Council Trading Standards has some timely reminders on how to spot and avoid scams.

The focus of the national campaign, running until 23 June, is to encourage people to STOP. REPORT. TALK.

Anyone can fall victim to a scam with lonely and older people most at risk. The National Audit Office recently estimated that individuals lose £10billion a year due to fraud.

Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships at Norfolk County Council, said: “The best advice is usually ‘if it seems too good to be true, it probably is’. This could be a letter/cold caller/etc. Being scammed or targeted by fraudsters often has a devastating impact on vulnerable people in Norfolk and can also destroy small businesses.

Sophie Leney, Head of Norfolk County Council Trading Standards, said: “Scams are a crime that can affect anyone. If you spot a scam, or think you may have been caught by one please report it to Action Fraud. Help stop them in your community by sharing information about scams and talking to your friends and family about how to protect yourself against scammers.

“Last year the Norfolk Against Scams Partnership (NASP) was set up by the county council and membership has been growing steadily with 45 members now leading the fight against the fraudsters locally. The partnership of organisations is committed to taking a stand against scams and aims to make Norfolk a scam free county. Partners work together to protect and support residents and businesses in Norfolk from scams, doorstep crime and fraud. The NASP is open to any organisation, service, business, charity or community group who can play a role in protecting the public, businesses or customers from scams and fraud – for more information and to sign up, visit: www.norfolk.gov.uk/nasp

For individuals interested in learning more about scams prevention, including how to spot them or support a victim visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/friendsagainstscams