Groups and organisations who want to learn more about scams and how to protect themselves and others can sign up for some free awareness training offered by City of Wolverhampton Council.

Officers from the council’s Public Protection Scams Team are available to speak to city-based organisations about the danger of scams and what to look out for.

Over the years, officers have provided the National Trading Standards Friends Against Scams training to local Meals on Wheels Services, West Midlands Fire Service, Telecare, community groups and charitable organisations, as well as councillors and police officers.

In 2019, the council became a Friend Against Scams organisation, and officers have attended fraud prevention days in banks and building societies, exercise classes, coffee mornings, interfaith groups, friendship groups, retirement complexes and markets.

Since January 2022, officers have distributed more than 1,300 scams awareness and prevention packs to local residents to help spread the word about scammers. Most recently, officers have started to train young adults to become Friends Against Scams.

Police cadets have been trained at special events at Kings School in Tettenhall and The Royal School in Penn where they were encouraged to look out for their grandparents or elderly relations who are more at risk of becoming victims.

Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city environment and climate change, said: “Unfortunately scams are becoming far more widespread and we are all vulnerable to the tricks played by these unscrupulous people.

“The work our Public Protection Scams Team does to try and combat the scammers is fantastic and they work closely with partners across the city to provide updates on current scams and how to avoid them.

“I would encourage any local groups or organisations to take up this offer of free training with our officers. They will go through the online training programme with you and will also discuss national scams as well as any local or specific issues.

“The more people know what to look out for, the better. Scammers are becoming more and more sophisticated and we want to make sure as many people as possible know how to recognise a scam, what to do when they spot one and know the best ways to help others too.”

For details about free training contact heather.dunn@wolverhampton.gov.uk or suzanne.hill@wolverhampton.gov.uk

To find out more about Friends Against Scams and undertake an online learning course, visit www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/training/friends-elearning