New sticker campaign launched to tackle doorstep scams in North Wales

 

A new campaign has been launched across North Wales to raise awareness of doorstep fraud and protect older people from scammers.

The initiative, led by Age Cymru, North Wales Police, and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, is part of the Wales Against Scams Partnership (WASP).

It will see 2,500 stickers and information leaflets distributed across the region, funded by North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin.

The campaign was developed in response to concerns from WASP partners over a rise in doorstep scams, which often increase during winter months.

These include courier scams and rogue traders offering fraudulent home repairs.

The stickers, designed to be placed inside front doors, display a clear message: Stop – don’t hand over money!

They serve as a reminder, particularly for vulnerable individuals, to be cautious of unexpected doorstep callers.

The stickers also feature the police non-emergency number 101, encouraging residents to report suspected scams.

Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I am pleased to see this sticker campaign launched across North Wales to help protect older and vulnerable people.

“Protecting victims and communities is a key priority within my plan to fight crime in North Wales, and it is great to see different organisations working together to keep people safe. Fraudsters are adept at taking advantage of vulnerable people, so it’s important we remind residents to stop, think, and be alert to fraud.”

Age Cymru chief executive Victoria Lloyd highlighted the importance of the initiative: “Older and vulnerable people are the most targeted group for scams, especially those carried out over the doorstep.

“Hopefully, this campaign will give people the confidence to say no to scammers. Many scammers develop a convincing manner of authority, making it difficult for some older people to refuse doorstep requests.

“Scammers evolve their tactics, often taking advantage of bad weather, so it’s important that we help older people become resilient to fraud in all its forms.”

North Wales Police’s Prevention Hub and Neighbourhood Policing teams will distribute stickers to vulnerable individuals in the coming weeks.

Residents can also request a sticker by emailing [email protected].

The WASP working group designed the stickers with input from dementia support groups to ensure they are clear and accessible for those with cognitive impairments.

The campaign is supported by a wide range of organisations, including Trading Standards, Which? Trusted Traders, and Care & Repair Cymru.

Residents who suspect a doorstep scam can report it to police on 101, or via Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or www.actionfraud.police.uk.