Stamp On Scams

Written by Anya Rudolphy, Interim Head of Programme Connect

Across the UK fraud accounts for up to 40% of all crime ¹ and while there are demographics considered more vulnerable than others, it is rare to know anyone that hasn’t had a text, call or email in the digital age of scams.

In consultation with Newham Council’s Our Newham Money service, it was identified that there is currently a need for more awareness and understanding of scams across east London. Newham Council’s service works closely with residents looking for financial and debt advice with a focus on supporting financial well-being.

In response, ELBA’s Connect Team has been working in partnership with Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) graduate volunteers to develop two workshops that build awareness of the types of scams currently circulating in our communities. These workshops take attendees through the life cycle of scams, to build awareness on how to avoid them, what to do if they become caught in a scam, and how to respond if one has occurred. Being scammed can happen to any of us, and can cause deep distress, and this is why Connect chose to speak about this topic during May when Mental Health Awareness Week took place. The aims of the workshops were to spread awareness and provide safe spaces for individuals to share their experiences.

The FCA graduate volunteers that have been involved, have shared some reflections from their experience volunteering with ELBA over the past 6 months:

“The personal experiences shared through our workshop research and discussions have emphasised that anyone can fall victim to a scam! However, I hope that we have created a platform for people to feel empowered and confident about scam prevention. It has been great working with ELBA, and we look forward to continuing our work with them.”

– Mathura

“Working with ELBA and subsequently Newham Council has been such a rewarding experience to help educate people in our local area on such a growing and prolific issue. It’s also fantastic to see our work strengthen the link between the FCA and ELBA, as well as the possible future opportunities.”

– Piers

“It has been an extremely insightful and fulfilling project to be working alongside ELBA with, which has and continues to be relevant amidst the cost-of-living crisis. We felt it was important to produce resources which would have lasting and beneficial affects upon those engaging to ensure they feel prepared, and educated, upon the most prominent scams currently circulating.”

– Annabel

If you would like to learn more about the Stamp on Scams sessions to host one for your organisation or beneficiaries please contact community@elba-1.org.uk

¹ https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/30328/documents/175363/default/

To stay up to date with the latest news, opportunities and success stories, please sign up to receive our monthly newsletter, here.