A COUNCILLOR has signed up to become a 'scambassador' to prevent Fifers from becoming a victim of fraud.

Ross Vettraino OBE has joined the Friends Against Scams campaign, an initiative that aims to protect and prevent people from losing their money to con artists and bogus workers.

Scams affect millions of people across the UK and costs consumers between £5-10 billion each year.

The campaign aims to empower communities to ‘Take a Stand Against Scams’ and he has joined the National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team to try and help others.

He will be able to work with members of the community to educate and support those who may be vulnerable to scams.

Cllr Vettraino said: “Scams often target the most vulnerable people in society but the reality is that anyone can become a victim of scams.

“Scams damage lives and can affect people financially and emotionally so it is with great pride that I have joined in with the work of the NTS Scams Team to help prevent people from being victims.

"By signing up as a Scambassador, I pledge to do everything I can to help raise awareness of this terrible problem.”

Dawn Adamson, service manager of Fife Trading Standards, said: "The tactics used by scammers leave victims socially isolated and ashamed of telling their friends and families what's really going on behind closed doors.

“It’s fantastic to have such an influential figure in the community to help tackle this problem on a local level and I would encourage all those that are interested in showing their support to join the campaign and be part of the growing Friends Against Scams network."

Further information is available at friendsagainstscams.org.uk.

Guidance about scams and general consumer advice is provided by Citizens Advice on 03454 040506 or at citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland.