STAFF at Coventry Building Society’s Lydney branch have been helping to raise awareness of fraud and scams among the local community as part of a government initiative.

Take Five to Stop Fraud Week took place last week, as part of a nationwide campaign from Financial Fraud Action UK, to tackle fraud and encourage people to take time to think before giving their personal details to potential fraudsters.

As well as giving customers advice and handing out leaflets, the branch staff were joined by the Coventry’s financial crime team last Thursday (January 25) , who spent the day talking to customers, answering questions and giving out tips as part of the Take Five campaign.

Branch manager Lorraine Tarrant said: “It’s really important that as a financial organisation we do all we can to help our members keep their personal information, and their money, safe.

“Anybody can fall victim to fraud or a scam and if we can help our members to pick up at least one new tip about avoiding this kind of crime, then we’ve made a difference.”

Matt Chinn, financial education manager at Coventry Building Society, said: “It was great to be on hand to speak with the customers in Lydney and help to raise awareness of this important issue. I hope customers found it informative and feel more confident about saying ‘My money? My info? I don’t think so!’ ”.

For more information on the Take Five Campaign and tips on how to avoid being a victim of fraud, visit www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk