More training to protect vulnerable from scams

People are advised to be wary when asked about personal or financial details over the phone

More training is being rolled out to help protect vulnerable residents from fraudsters and scammers.

Bradford Council said neighbourhood wardens will be trained by the West Yorkshire Financial Exploitation and Abuse Team (WYFEAT) to help them identify those at risk of exploitation or abuse.

This is part of the Neighbourhood Connect project which aims to tackle social isolation by helping people access local community activities and services.

Councillor Kamran Hussain said given the gravity of the problem nationally, "we should be doing all we can to protect people".

The training will be provided for free and include case studies and an insight into the role of WYFEAT, the referral process and support available to victims.

Mr Hussain, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and community safety, said: "Fraud is a growing national problem, whether it's doorstep scammers, online or phone calls.

"This training will help our neighbourhood wardens support anyone who falls victim to or is at risk, as well as challenging the stigma of shame which is often attached to this."

Citizens Advice has issued the following advice on recognising a scam:

• it seems too good to be true – for example, a holiday that's much cheaper than you'd expect

• someone you don't know contacts you unexpectedly

• you suspect you're not dealing with a real company – for example, if there's no postal address

• you've been asked to transfer money quickly

• you've been asked to pay in an unusual way – for example, by iTunes vouchers or through a transfer service like MoneyGram or Western Union

• you've been asked to give away personal information like passwords or PINs

• you haven't had written confirmation of what's been agreed

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