AN Oxfordshire district council is cracking down on county-wide fraud and will host a ‘friends against scams’ training session in a bid to spread awareness of illicit activity.

Cherwell District Council will host the training workshop for local residents in an effort to raise awareness of how fraudsters operate and will hold its inaugural session next week.

The event forms part of a national Trading Standards-led ‘Scams Team’ initiative, which aims to prevent people from becoming victims of illegal scams through awareness campaigns and training workshops.

Councillor Kieron Mallon, Cherwell District Council’s lead member for community services and public protection, praised the work of the scheme and said the session was a great way to inform residents of the dangers of fraud.

He said: “Cherwell Council is keen to help protect residents, and this initiative gives people to knowledge to guard against scams.”

The training session will take place on Wednesday February 28 at 12.30pm at Bodicote House, White Post Rd, Bodicote, Banbury.

Places are limited and must be booked in advance on Friends Against Scams’ website friendsagainstscams.org.uk.

The workshop, which is free and open to all, will be delivered by Oxfordshire County Council Trading Standards.

To report a fraud and for advice if you suspect a fraud contact Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 who will provide help and advice.