RESIDENTS are being warned to watch out for scams.

Specialist Trading Standards scams officers will be visiting Halton Credit Union offices to highlight the types of scams and how people can protect themselves from them.

They will be at the Widnes office at 27 Queens Avenue on Thursday, July 21 from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Christine Heesom, chief executive officer at Halton Credit Union, said: "We’re glad to be working with Halton Trading Standards to raise the awareness of scams with Halton residents.

“Scams can happen to the most astute of people in our society and individuals shouldn’t be afraid or embarrassed to admit they’ve fallen for a scam.

“The more people talk about their experiences, the more we can prevent other people being caught out".

The Trading Standards team has been working with people who have either been targeted or caught out by scammers and who together have lost more than £280,000.

Halton Credit Union offers cost effective finance options for anyone living or working in Halton.

Since 2002, Halton Credit Union has loaned over £21.5 million to its members - loans have been provided for lots of reasons, including Christmas and Holidays, as well as smaller loans to help with things like School uniforms.

This has often provided financial help to those who can’t get access to ordinary bank products - a lifeline for people struggling with their finances.

They provide a welcome alternative to payday loan companies, doorstep lending and to illegal money lenders.

Halton Cllr Dave Cargill, board member for Trading Standards, said: "It’s important that people realise that there are all types of scams and new ones come along all the time.

"People get caught out by them for all sorts of reasons and everybody is capable of being scammed, the scammer just has to find your vulnerability."