SIMON Hart MP has become the first local ‘Scambassador’ in Pembrokeshire as part of a National Trading Standards initiative committed to taking a stand against scams and rogue traders.

The initiative ‘Friends Against Scams’ was launched last October and aims to inspire and empower everyone to take a stand in their community, rather than suffer in silence.

Pembrokeshire Trading Standards has successfully encouraged many individuals, as well as local groups, to sign up to the initiative as ‘friends’, looking out for people that may be a victim of a scam and seeking help.

“Unfortunately more and more people fall prey to scams with estimated billions of pounds being lost every year in the UK,” explained the council’s cabinet member for housing and regulatory services, Councillor Pat Davies.

The Friends Against Scams Initiative encourages everyone to make the topic part of their everyday conversation rather than being something to be ashamed of.

“I am pleased to support this initiative and the work of Pembrokeshire Trading Standards, to raise awareness at a local level,” said Mr Hart.

Pembrokeshire County Council Trading Standards has been working to educate the public by providing talks on identifying the different types of scams and how to avoid them.

They also offer support and advice to anyone in the county who has concerns or feel they may be a victim of a scam.

To find out how to become a ‘friend’ under the initiative go to friendsagainstscams.org.uk or, alternatively if you belong to a local community group, get in touch with the Council’s Trading Standards Team on 01437 764551 to arrange hosting an awareness session.