Countywide Scams Partnership helps local businesses avoid fraudsters

BUSINESSES from across Cambridgeshire were taught how to avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime at an event hosted by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Against Scams Partnership (CAPASP) and Barclays in Pidley last week (11^th September).

More than 40 businesses, together with representatives from local councils attended a free breakfast workshop to find out how to protect their businesses from crimes such as ransomware, invoice fraud and data theft.

Those attending heard from Joe Cooksey, Head of Digital at Barclays about the latest way to keep fraud and cyber secure and Nigel Sutton, Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Fraud and Cyber Security Advisor on the latest threats to the county.

The idea was developed after Barclays Local Business Manager, Julia Tebbs, saw an article in the Hunts Post regarding CAPASP.

The partnership has provided scam awareness training to communities and helped to train SCAMchampions in different neighbourhoods who can then support their local residents.

CAPASP is made up of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Age UK, Citizens Advice and Neighbourhood Watch was launched nine months ago to raise awareness about scams and support victims of scams.

Joe Cooksey, Head of Digital, Barclays said:

“With 95% of losses due to cybercrime attributable to humans, it is important that everyone takes steps to help protect themselves. Always be wary of emails, texts and phone calls and make certain they are genuine before you click on links or give up personal information. Software should be kept up to date and accounts protected with strong and different passwords and additional verification steps when possible.”

Elaine Matthews, Strengthening Communities Service Manager at Cambridgeshire County Council said:

“The event was a great opportunity to share learning about the sort of threats faced by businesses each and every day and the simple steps to overcome them. By working in partnership with communities and businesses we are stronger together in tackling scams in the county.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Jason Ablewhite added:

“Last year in Cambridgeshire, the local economy lost over £15m to cybercrime. It’s clear from the advice provided at the workshop that online crime can be easily prevented by taking cyber security precautions. I want to thank Barclays for sharing their wisdom and am pleased to see CAPASP going from strength to strength, working hard to make our county scam-free.