CARMARTHENSHIRE County Council’s trading standards team has been providing advice to residents living in No Cold Calling Zones during the coronavirus pandemic.
Together, with officers from Dyfed Powys Police, they visited 1,825 properties within 58 zones in the Llanelli area and issued leaflets containing information on COVID19 fraud scams.
The leaflet offers advice and tips to the vulnerable and elderly and provides contact details should they become a victim of rogue trading or cold calling.
Information on trading standards safeguarding interventions is also included.
The council’s executive board member for public protection, Cllr Philip Hughes said: “Criminals are exploiting the coronavirus pandemic to scam people in a variety of ways.
As more people stay indoors and work from home, there is more opportunity for criminals to try and trick people into parting with their money at a time when they are anxious and uncertain about the future.
“In particular, older, more vulnerable people who are self-isolating are likely to be targeted over the phone, or in person.
“It is important that we continue to raise awareness of these scams and protect ourselves, and the vulnerable people in our communities, the best we can.”
The initiative also involved Carmarthenshire Citizens Advice whose services and assistance were promoted via the leaflet.
Dyfed Powys Police, Acting Inspector Katie Davies said: “Trading Standards initiated the collaboration and we identified those residing in No Cold Calling Zones which may be more vulnerable and susceptible to becoming victims of crime. Together we created an information leaflet to educate and raise awareness within our community on COVID19 Fraud scams, provide details of organisations who offer help and support and shared advice on how to contact police and Carmarthenshire County Council during the lockdown.
The Llanelli Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team conducted patrols with Trading Standards in order to respond to any concerns or queries our community raised. By working in partnership we were able to cover a large area of our community, provide support to those who may not know how to reach out to us, and create opportunities to identify those at greater risk of harm who need our help.
“Members of the community told the team they felt reassured to know public services still had their best interests in mind during this worrying and challenging time.”
No Cold Calling Zones are created in areas that have a history of doorstep crime and/or a large proportion of elderly or vulnerable residents. If you know of an area that might be suitable for a zone, contact trading standards on 01267 234567 or [email protected]
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