Forres Area Forum Hosts Talk on Fraud Awareness and Prevention

A community initiative to address local concerns is set to take place next month in Forres. The **Forres Area Forum (FAF)** will host a talk focused on fraud and scams, featuring **Richard Russell**, a crime reduction and architectural liaison officer from **Police Scotland**. The event will occur on **February 4, 2024**, from **19:00 to 20:00** in the North room at **Forres Town Hall**.

This talk aims to equip attendees with knowledge and strategies to stay safe online. According to **FAF chairwoman Anne Rossiter**, fraud is a pressing issue across the UK, causing significant distress and financial loss for many individuals. She noted that victims often feel embarrassed and vulnerable after falling victim to scams.

Rossiter emphasized the importance of community support, stating, “We would like to provide a platform of reassurance that will allow people to gain confidence in dealing with such matters and be more confident when making online purchases and using social media.”

During the session, PC Russell will share insights into the latest trends in fraud being reported within the **Moray** region. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, receive supportive information, and take home informative leaflets for future reference.

The event is particularly encouraged for pensioners and individuals living alone who may have limited support networks, as well as anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of online safety. Rossiter remarked, “We encourage anyone who feels they want to be more informed to attend.”

The **Forres Area Forum** represents the communities of Forres, Findhorn, Kinloss, Dyke, Edinkillie, and surrounding areas. The group brings together local organizations and residents to provide support through various events addressing different topics throughout the year.

For more information about the event, interested individuals can email [email protected].