Scam Awareness Month

June 3, 2018 by Melinda @ Giles Wilson Solicitors

JUNE  is Scams Awareness Month!

Leigh on sea is not a place to associate with Scams, but since becoming a SCAM Champion last year I am more aware than ever that no town, village or neighbourhood can ignore the possibility.

June as Scams Awareness Month is a campaign led by the Citizens Advice Bureau who support Friends Against Scams (www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk) which itself is an initiative by the National Trading Standards. It aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams by empowering communities to "Take a Stand Against Scams". 

How can we do this?

Be Aware of those who are vulnerable in our community – those who are elderly or infirm and who live alone, may be lonely and therefore will answer the door and allow anyone in, or accept help from a stranger who then takes advantage of them.  Scams are generally targeted at those who provide the outward signs that they are likely to fall victim to the scam.

Take Action if you notice a person suspiciously befriending a lonely potentially vulnerable person – report such behaviour to the CAB, to the police, an advocacy charity, social services safeguarding, or a solicitor. Checks can be carried out without you necessarily being identified.

Protect Yourself and those that you can by making a Lasting Power of Attorney professionally and choosing your Attorney wisely and with advice. The role of an Attorney who can take full control of your finances both if and when you lose mental capacity but also beforehand  is so powerful that it cannot be taken lightly.  Share information with your family and close and trusted friends about where you have placed your Will and any Power of Attorney so that they are aware and can make contact with the professionals that you trust should you become vulnerable.

Alert – it is possible to place a Property Alert at the Land Registry to protect any dealings with your property by notice having to be sent to a solicitor or other party.  As we move closer to digital signatures and online applications in matters of probate and property transfers putting protective measures in place for your property, your finances and your Will become ever more important.

Leigh on sea is proud of its community so please join me in supporting this initiative – for more information contact me directly or look at (www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk)

This article is by Melinda Giles at Giles Wilson Solicitors.  
For legal advice please call 01702 477 106 or visit one of Giles Wilson's offices: 1711 London Road Leigh, 54 Leigh Broadway, 5 Roche Close Rochford  
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