PFCC gives £1,800 grant to stop people becoming victims of fraud
Posted 11th July 2023
Victims of fraud are being given crime-prevention tools to keep them safe in future.
Fraud Prevention Support Packs are supplied to all victims of the crime via email or post in north Essex.
Those deemed more vulnerable – those over 75, romance fraud victims, repeat victims and victims with mental health problems or disabilities – receive extra support via telephone or a visit from a fraud prevention co-ordinator.
They are given information on all forms of fraud and scams, including cyber-crime, telephone scams and romance fraud, as well as scams prevalent in their community.
The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex (PFCC) has contributed £1,800 to Essex Police in the form of a crime and disorder reduction grant from the 2022-2023 Community Safety Development Fund to provide 4,000 purse bells, 4,200 card defenders and 300 purse chains to be used in fraud prevention support packs, at fraud prevention talks and at events across north Essex.
Items such as purse bells, card defenders and purse chains give additional peace of mind to the 70 to 100 people who fall victim to fraud each week in north Essex.
Tammy Blest, fraud prevention co-ordinator for Essex Police in north Essex, said: “We go through a safeguarding process with our most vulnerable fraud victims, completing a risk assessment, giving them advice on how to get their money back and, ultimately, providing prevent and protect advice for each victim.
“The items we have purchased also act as a conversation starter when we set up stalls at various locations and events. People get attracted by the bells and we can then chat with them and give them fraud prevention advice. The public appreciate these small gestures of safeguarding them and their finances.
“It is so great to get this funding from the PFCC which will be of great benefit to the residents living in the north of the county.”
PFCC Roger Hirst said: “With a relatively small investment, we are making such a huge difference to victims of crime and those at risk of fraud. These crime prevention items will no doubt give peace of mind to the most vulnerable in our county, giving them the power to protect themselves and their property.”
Find out more about keeping safe from fraudsters Advice about fraud | Essex Police
