The "Sock It to the Scammers" campaign is an initiative led by the Derbyshire Police Fraud Protect team in partnership with Rural Action Derbyshire (RAD).

As scammers become increasingly sophisticated, the need for public awareness and vigilance has never been more critical. This campaign aims to arm Derbyshire residents with the knowledge and tools they need to recognise, prevent, and report fraudulent activity.

Understanding the Threat

Fraud and scams are on the rise across the UK, with criminals constantly devising new tactics to deceive individuals and steal their money or personal information. From doorstep scams and identity theft to online and romance fraud, these crimes can have devastating financial and emotional impacts on victims. Unfortunately, fewer than one in seven fraud offences are reported to the police, leaving many scams unchallenged and countless victims without support.

Empowering Communities

The Sock It to the Scammers campaign focuses on empowering communities to take action against these threats. Through a series of awareness-raising sessions, RAD works with local community groups and volunteers to educate them on the most common types of scams, how to avoid falling victim, and the importance of reporting any suspicious activity. By fostering a community-based approach, the campaign aims to create a network of informed and vigilant residents who can protect themselves and others from scammers.

Key Message: Stop. Think. Tell.

The campaign's core message is simple yet powerful: Stop. Think. Tell. If something doesn’t feel right or seems too good to be true, take a moment to stop and think before taking any action. Discuss your concerns with someone you trust, and if you suspect a scam, report it immediately.

Get Involved

Whether you're a resident looking to protect yourself or a volunteer eager to spread the word, the Sock It to the Scammers campaign offers resources and support to help you make a difference. Together, we can "sock it" to the scammers and keep Derbyshire safe.

For more information and resources, visit the Derbyshire Police website or Rural Action Derbyshire's website. If you suspect a scam, contact Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040.