Multi-Agency Approach
As was shown in the previous section, a number of different professional bodies can help a scam victim either by ensuring the criminals are brought to justice or supporting the victim and maintaining their ongoing wellbeing. In the majority of cases adopting a multi-agency approach when supporting a scam victim is essential to securing a good outcome for the individual and taking steps to prevent criminals from targeting others.
With the victim's consent, efforts should be made to contact family members and close friends to make them aware of the situation and increase the victim's social network. Utilising floating support services, befriending services, community day centres, engagement with the Department for Work and Pensions for benefit maximisation can all be useful tools to support the individual and prevent repeat victimisation. Resources and agencies will vary based on geographical location.
There are many factors that may make an individual more susceptible to being a victim of a scam. With this in mind if you are supporting a scam victim it is essential to consider the bigger picture and help the individual engage with a range of statutory and community based services in order to address the underlying issues.
Please refer to the resources section of this training package to find agencies you may find useful in helping scam victims engage with relevant support services