THE unfortunate fact of life is that dozens of people in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area have been the victims of scams.

As part of the fightback against scammers Fife Council Trading Standards Team is urging local people to join almost 300,000 other UK residents and become a Friend Against Scams.

Friends Against Scams is a National Trading Standards Scams Team initiative which helps to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams by empowering them to take a stand.

It aims to inspire action, highlight the scale of the problem, change the perceptions of why people fall for scams and make scams a community, regional and national topic.

Dawn Adamson, Fie Council's Trading Standards Service Manager said: “Anybody can register as a Friend Against Scams by simply logging on to www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk and completing a short interactive online learning session from the comfort of your own home, at work or wherever is most convenient for you.

"You will learn about how to spot scams and how to support victims. Once you have completed the session you will be encouraged to share your increased knowledge with the local community and will be given guidance on how to do so".

Dawn added: "Scams of various types are unfortunately becoming more common and sophisticated, so increasing awareness is a massive tool in trying to combat them. All members of society are targets so I would encourage everyone who can, to become a Friend Against Scams.”

The National Trading Standards Scams Team is also offering the public an opportunity to apply for a free telephone call blocker. Applications can be made online on the Friends Against Scams website.

For general advice on scams you can contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or at www.consumeradvice.scot

If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam you should contact Police Scotland as quickly as possible by calling 101.