New scams and fraud awareness videos launched by Trading Standards

Against a backdrop of the government’s latest fraud strategy, with a plan to reduce fraud by 10% on 2019 levels by 2025, West Yorkshire Trading Standards (WYTS) is launching on You Tube its community awareness videos on a range of different scams, frauds and doorstep issues that residents in West Yorkshire regularly fall victim to. 

Fraud now accounts for 40% of crime, with criminals often targeting those who are most vulnerable – in their own homes and online. One in 15 adults were victims of fraud in 2022 with the total cost to society of at least £6.9 billion in 2019-20.  To help West Yorkshire consumers, Trading Standards has created a catalogue of 16 short videos outlining different scams, fraud and doorstep issues residents often fall victim to, with the aim of promoting awareness around online safety, and staying protected on the doorstep.

Over the past 5 years, WYTS has seen a steady increase in cases involving fraud and financial abuse, with predatory criminals taking money out of the pockets of hard-working people, businesses, and organisations by targeting the most vulnerable.

These new videos were created in collaboration with KLTV (Kirklees Local TV) to spread key prevention messages to the wider general public. The 16 videos cover a range of different topics, from online scams to doorstep crime.

All 16 videos are available to view on the West Yorkshire Trading Standards YouTube page, the full Scams playlist is available here:

https://www.youtube.com/@westyorkshiretradingstanda1122/playlists

Or visit @westyorkshiretradingstanda1122 on YouTube

By making this useful resource available on the web, there is something for everyone covering a wide range of audiences. From younger people who are often targeted by money muling and spoof texts, through to the older generation who are more likely to encounter rogue traders and cold callers. The videos can be referred to and shared amongst community groups and family members at any time.

Linda Davis, West Yorkshire Trading Standards Manager said “This video series is a creative, engaging and informative way to raise awareness about the different scams and doorstep issues residents here in West Yorkshire can fall victim to. Fraud now accounts for over 40% of crime, with fraudsters’ activities taking away our peace of mind and confidence to conduct our business safely. Our aim is to empower consumers to recognise, avoid and report frauds and equip them to deal with potential scams and frauds they may be faced with.”

Councillor Les Shaw, Chair of the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee which oversees the work of Trading Standards said “This latest video series from WYTS is an informative and creative way to spread awareness around scams, fraud and doorstep crime. It is more important than ever for members of the public to know how to stay protected from financial crime. These videos are a fantastic visual tool that can be used to help spread those key fraud prevention messages.”

If you have a concern about someone vulnerable who you believe may be a victim of financial abuse or fraud, please contact us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.