Is your money safe? East Lothian and Midlothian Public Protection Committee tackles Financial Harm.

East and Midlothian Public Protection Committee (EMPPC) is helping residents protect themselves and others from financial harm with their new event series  ‘Fraud, scams and financial plans’.

The event brings together Police Scotland, banks, trading standards, social care, health and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service who will all have information and advice on the many forms of financial harm out there. They will provide information of how and who to report to should you suspect or know someone who may be harmed.

Local statistics indicate that financial harm is the main type of harm investigated in East Lothian & Midlothian.  The majority of adults harmed are harmed within their own homes. Elderly people, people with learning disabilities and people with mental health issues are particularly vulnerable to fraudsters and the exploitation, misuse or misappropriation of their money, possessions, benefits and property. 

EMPPC, which includes Police Scotland, NHS Lothian, East Lothian and Midlothian Council, Health and Social Care Partnerships, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the third sector, is committed to working together to prevent and minimise the risk posted to adults at risk of financial harm.

‘Frauds, scams and financial plans’ is running on 19 February at Fisherrow Community Centre, Musselburgh from 9:30am – 12 midday and at the John Gray Centre, Haddington Library from 2pm – 4:30pm. It then moves to Midlothian, running in Penicuik Town Hall from 9:30am – 12:30pm and at Dalkeith Arts Centre from 2pm – 4.30pm. 

Denice Lilley, Lead Officer for Adult Support and Protection at the East and Midlothian Public Protection Office said: “Financial harm is a particularly despicable and heartless exploitation of very vulnerable people and we want people at risk, their families, carers and the wider community to be vigilant.

“It is quite easy to become the target of bogus workmen, cold callers, theft, embezzlement, scam mail and online scams. Perpetrators of financial harm can be skilled in exerting undue influence on their victims, effectively grooming them, resulting in their judgement being compromised.

“This series of events will help residents understand more about financial abuse and how to protect themselves and their loved ones from it.”  

Published: Monday, 11th February 2019