SCAMS AWARENESS MONTH 2018

That this House supports Scams Awareness Month 2018, an annual coalition campaign bringing together organisations across the UK such as Citizens' Advice, Trading Standards and the police, to take a united stand against scams and fraud; understands that scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and although scammers target some groups of people more than others, a scam can happen to anyone; recognises that the cost of fraud and scams in the UK was estimated to be £190 billion last year, with research showing that almost three­ quarters of people have been targeted by scammers in the last two years; acknowledges that under-reporting is a serious issue when it comes to dealing with scams, as the embarrassment and shame around falling victim to a scam can make people less likely to report the crime; and welcomes this year's campaign focus, throughout the month of June, on raising awareness of scams, reporting of scams and encouraging discussions to break down the stigma and shame related to scams and the theme for 2018 of Don't Miss a Trick, Be Scam Aware.