The National Trading Standards Scams Team has won the award for Outstanding Prevention Initiative at the prestigious Tackling Economic Crime Awards (TECAs), for its call blocker project.
The project – which tackled scam and nuisance calls has now seen over 3,000 free call blocker units supplied to vulnerable consumers across the UK, many over the age of 70. The devices will prevent almost two million scam and nuisance calls, and overall the initiative is projected to save participants and wider society more than £20 million.
Scam and nuisance calls cause financial loss, emotional distress, social isolation, a loss of confidence, and sometimes physical harm due to poverty and stress. An independent study showed a significant improvement in participants’ wellbeing after just three months of having a call blocker installed, with the devices blocking more than 99% of scam and nuisance calls.
The TECA winners were announced at a virtual awards show with representatives from across the financial crime sector tuned in to celebrate the outstanding achievements of all the finalists and winners.
Judges felt the Scams Team’s call blocker project was a “highly targeted initiative whose benefits are well evidenced; helping to protect and prevent fraud against the most vulnerable.” The award is the second TECA the NTS Scams Team has won in two years.
You can read the full programme report here.
Notes to Editors
About the National Trading Standards Scams Team
The National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team helps tackle mass marketing scams and disrupts the operations of perpetrators behind mail scams. It works in partnership with agencies across the country and internationally to identify and support victims of mass marketing fraud. The team provides guidance, best practice and establishes a centre of excellence to assist local authorities in supporting local victims and taking local enforcement action.