Norfolk scam victims to benefit from new prevention service

Scam victims in Norfolk are set to receive better support as a result of a partnership between the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and victim care service.

The Scams Prevention Service will see Norfolk residents who are targeted by scammers receive help to avoid being victimised again. It will also provide follow-up support to cope and recover from what they have experienced.

A  Scams Prevention Coordinator, funded by Norfolk PCC Lorne Green to work within the Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care Service, will be central to the project.

The PCC, who became a Friends Against Scams ‘Scambassador’ last year and recently spoke up about his own experience of falling victim to a scam, said: “The emotional and financial hurt of being a victim of a scam can be massive. I am committed to doing all I can to make Norfolk a scam-free county and prevent people’s lives being affected by the acts of these heartless fraudsters.

“Fraud affects thousands of people across Norfolk every year. Most often it is the vulnerable in our society who are targeted and exploited by scammers, but anyone can be a victim. It is so very important that we talk about what we have experienced, we share information and advice, and we learn how to keep ourselves safe in the future.

“This new Scams Prevention Service will help Norfolk take a stand against the criminals who seek to harm us and others in our communities.”

Supported by the agencies which make up the Norfolk Against Scams Partnership, the Scams Prevention Service will identify victims who would benefit from the support of one of a team of trained volunteers. Those volunteers will include members of Norfolk’s Special Constabulary.

Having assessed the needs of victims, the volunteers will work with them to improve their confidence and safety, developing a plan to reduce their vulnerability to being victimised again.

Scott Cook, Contract and Operations Manager for Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care said: “We are proud to be part of this partnership in tackling fraud and scams across Norfolk, which will not only provide much needed support to victims but also work with them to help ensure they do not fall victim again.

“Falling victim to a scam can have a devastating impact both emotionally and financially. These scams are increasingly sophisticated and anyone could be affected. Victims should never feel ashamed or embarrassed by what’s happened to them and we would always encourage them to seek the support they deserve.”

If you would like support after being the victim of a crime, whether or not you have reported it, then contact Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care on 0300 303 3706. More information on the Scams Prevention Service is available here.