I want to draw your attention to the Friends Against Scams programme, which is a National Trading Standards scheme, and it is needed because figures show that there’s been an increase of 60 per cent in this kind of fraud over the past five years. Recently, constituents of mine received a phone call from someone who claimed to be from a well-known broadband company, asking for their computer details. It was only when they asked for bank details that the constituents realised that something was amiss, and actually put the phone down. Fortunately, they contacted my office and I could advise them on how to safeguard both their computers and their money.

I know well another individual who fell for a very similar scam. Yes, there was a financial loss, but more than that, I saw the embarrassment that this individual felt. Those responsible for scamming often target the most vulnerable, and they rely on people feeling that embarrassment and shame so that they don’t mention it to anyone. It is estimated that only five per cent of people who have been scammed actually inform the authorities of it.

The truth is that turning to friends or family is a way of sharing that anxiety, and there are plenty of organisations available to turn to warn others and try and recoup funds, including the older people’s commissioner, the local trading standards office, or Citizens Advice. I would encourage everyone here to go on the Friends Against Scams website, friendsagainstscams.org.uk, and to raise awareness of scamming in order to try to defend innocent people from these cruel criminals.