NARBERTH Ladies Probus was delighted to welcome Roz Oaks and Sian Rees to the April meeting for a talk focussed on scams - notably, how to recognise a scam, how to protect yourself and what actions to take if you have been a victim of a scam.

Roz explained that they were part of the Yorkshire Building Society’s Volunteer Outreach team, focusing on financial hardship, employability, and education.

Scams can be difficult to recognise, but there are things to look out for. A scam often starts when someone you don’t know contacts you unexpectedly. You could be asked for money, such as digital vouchers or money paid into an unknown bank account. They might also ask for your bank account or credit card details, or confidential information. They often demand secrecy to try to force you to act immediately. Online scammers often use a company with a strange email address.

Roz and Sian then gave some helpful advice on how people can protect themselves from scammers. Usually, a scam will involve theft or fraud, therefore do not give out any personal information, or confirm that any personal information they have is correct. Never pay them any money or pay them using electronic vouchers. If you think someone is calling to trick you into giving them money or your personal details, just hang up.

Roz and Sian concluded their talk by looking at some real-life scenarios, such as offers of cash prices, text messages asking for financial help from an alleged family member or essential technical support for a device, and what actions to take. With ’phone calls, especially unknown callers, do not answer. Review passwords regularly with online transactions and check websites carefully. If you do fall victim to a scam report it immediately to your bank and contact Action Fraud - 0300 123 2040.

Acting Chair Anne Ponisch thanked Roz and Sian for their most informative talk. The next meeting will be on Friday, May 1 at 11am at the Plas Hotel and the speaker will be Vicky Tomlinson on ‘The unknown history of Caldey Island’. New members are always welcome.