Number of people scammed by fraudsters in Dorset on the rise
Efforts to crackdown on fraudsters have been intensified following reports that 30% of people in Dorset fell victim to a scam last year
More than 4 in 10 people in Dorset encountered a scam in the last year, with almost 30% falling victim.
Nearly three quarters of victims reported feeling ‘anxious and distressed’ following the incident, highlighting the emotional toll it has.
Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner vowed to make fraud prevention one of his top priorities this term.
PCC David Sidwick said: “It’s not just the financial problems it can cause, it can also have a profound psychological toll on individuals.
“There is a feeling of shame you get scammed but what we forget is that these are a bunch of very professional crooks, who are clever and very believable so there should be no shame in falling victim to them.”
2 in 10 people reported a significant impact on their finances as a result and 10% said they had to delay retirement plans as a result.
Dorset is a prime target for scammers
According to the PCC, Dorset is a prime target for fraudsters as the county has a unique blend of elderly and isolated residents living in the countryside along with a very vibrant student population.
PCC Sidwick added: “Scammers tend to target young people who might be at university and in control of their finances for the first time or they target the elderly who are more vulnerable and less computer savvy.”
This financial strain is particularly concerning for those over 40, many of whom are nearing retirement and cannot afford such unexpected hits to their savings.
There are warnings to be wary of investment scams, rogue traders knocking on your door or people unexpectedly reaching out and asking for money.
Research found a third of reported scams involved someone impersonating friends or family, meanwhile, scams involving holiday or long-term accommodation accounted for 16% of cases.
“Scammers are also becoming increasingly sophisticated,” PCC Sidwick said. “A quarter of victims say they were caught completely unaware.”
Efforts to crackdown on fraudsters have been intensified across the county and the PCC urges people to be ‘cautious and vigilant’.