The Vernon Building Society is hosting a free fraud prevention event at its Stockport branch on 13 April 2026. The drop-in session, which runs from 10am until 12:30pm, aims to provide local residents with practical advice on how to protect themselves from increasingly common financial scams.
The event is being held in partnership with Greater Manchester Police. Officers will be on hand to offer guidance, particularly for older and more vulnerable community members who are frequently targeted by fraudsters.
According to data from UK Finance, criminals stole £629.3 million through fraud in the first half of 2025, representing a 3% increase on the previous year. Research from the Office for National Statistics indicates there were an estimated 4.2 million incidents of fraud in England and Wales during the year ending March 2025. With 66% of Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud cases beginning online, authorities are keen to improve public awareness of these digital threats.
The local police force operates the Cyber and Economic Crime Awareness Service, which has supported over 2,000 victims since 2017. Additionally, the service runs a Senior Scambusters programme, featuring 15 volunteers aged 65 and over who work across the region to help keep older residents safe. Statistics suggest that online scams cost older people in the UK an average of £4,000 each, highlighting the need for proactive education.
Residents seeking further help can also access the Stockport Council ‘Stockport Against Scams’ programme. This initiative provides local support through partnerships with organisations such as Age UK, Citizens Advice, Victim Support, and Action Fraud.
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