The Swallowtails get wise to scams in July

It’s been a busy year for the Swallowtail WI, but it’s still hard to believe we’re halfway through 2018.  Our fun summer social is ahead, so July was a more serious affair as we welcomed Stephen Maunder from Norfolk County Council’s Trading Standards to tell us about scams and how to spot them.
 
The statistics around scams in the UK are jaw-dropping - with almost all of us targeted by criminals trying to make us part with our money. Worse still, many victims of these scammers feel too ashamed and embarrassed to share their stories. But Stephen told us that as the scams get ever more sophisticated, the problem will get worse. It’s down to all of us to get educated about scams and share our knowledge with those around us, particularly the vulnerable.
 
Scammers use a range of techniques and approaches to con their way into our lives. Whether they turn up on our doorsteps, in our inboxes or over the phone, you have to be vigilant. Sadly, it’s the elderly, the lonely and other vulnerable people who are often trapped into their web, and the scammers will work overtime to develop a false rapport or relationship with those people to get their hands on their money.
 
Stephen’s talk was fascinating and quite terrifying. But we learned a lot about how to spot a scam and what to check for if we are suspicious about a call, email or person. It was an incredibly insightful evening and we’re hoping that scammers won’t stand a chance against the Swallowtails from now on.
 
We are looking forward to next month and getting together for a social evening to remember. Good pals, delicious cakes and lots of fun, what else can you ask from your WI?
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