Comedy star Patrick Monahan is joining forces with Durham County Council to urge people not to fall victim to scams.
The Irish/Iranian stand-up comedian and the local authority’s consumer protection officers are teaming up in support of a national effort to warn people not to be duped by scammers, ahead of his performance in Durham on Friday night.
The Think Jessica campaign, which runs for two weeks from Monday 23 May, aims to encourage residents to look out for friends and family who may become victims of scams.
The average victim loses around £1,000 to scammers with some losing far more including their homes and their life savings.
Scams can take many forms: postal, telephone or electronic communication and seek to lure people, often the elderly and vulnerable, into thinking they have had a surprise win or will benefit financially from a scheme.
Examples are fictitious prize draws and lotteries, false investment opportunities, pension fraud or bogus equity release schemes or clairvoyant or dating scams.
Financial loss is only one measure, with feelings of vulnerability having an overwhelming impact on many victims.
This can result in those who are elderly no longer being able to live independently and going into care.
Victims of scams rarely report the crime with estimates that only 5% come forward.
Patrick, who is to perform his new show The Disco Years at the Gala Theatre, has urged people to be on their guard at all times.
He said: “Please always be careful and always double check whenever giving out any information.
“If you’re not sure who the person is then don’t feel pressured to give them your bank account or any other personal details.
“If they are really from the company they say they’re from, then they will contact you through the official channels.
“Stay safe.”
The council’s consumer protection team safeguards the residents and traders of the county from criminal activity and malpractice.
Joanne Waller, head of environment, health and consumer protection, said: “Billions of pounds are lost every year through scams which target the most vulnerable members of our community, so it’s great to have Patrick’s support for Think Jessica.
“We’re continuing to raise awareness around mass mailing scams but it’s important that people look out for the friends and family around them who might become victim to this kind of trick.
“With this and the information that the campaign provides we can safeguard against these fraudsters.”
Further information on the campaign and how to get support for yourself or a friend or family member can be found at www.thinkjessica.com
Tickets for Patrick’s show, which begins at 8pm, are £12 and are available from the venue’s box office on 03000 266 600, in person at the venue or online at www.galadurham.co.uk