Fraud and online scams amount to more than half of all crime in West Mercia, with recent reports showing a rise in scams such as courier fraud, romance fraud, and the growing use of AI-enabled techniques to deceive victims.
Many victims suffer in silence due to shame and stigma, with the true scale of the problem underreported.
Committed to reducing this growing and ever-changing crime that often targets the most vulnerable in our society, Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has launched a £20,000 grant scheme that will operate across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.
The Scam Awareness & Victim Support Flow Through Grant scheme will be delivered in partnership with Shropshire Community Foundation, who will manage the application and funding process.
Local voluntary and community organisations can apply for small grants of £500 to £2,000 to help deliver vital support to victims of scammers and raise awareness of how to avoid being scammed.
Funded projects may include community workshops, educational campaigns, and one-to-one victim support, ideally in collaboration with local police teams.
Contacts for local policing teams can be found here.
The closing date for applications is 8 September 2025.
PCC John Campion said: “Scams are more than just financial crimes. They target the most vulnerable in our communities and cause huge emotional damage.
“I’m committed to reducing crime and keeping the most vulnerable in society safe from harm.
“This grant funding will help provide the communities of Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin with the tools they need to stay safe, support victims, and reduce the impact of fraud.”
Sonia Roberts, Trustee at Shropshire Community Foundation, said: “We are proud to partner with the PCC to deliver this vital initiative.
“Local grassroots organisations are uniquely placed to spot emerging threats and respond quickly.
“With this funding, they’ll be able to raise awareness and provide practical support to those who are most at risk.
“It’s a crucial step in making our communities safer and more resilient.”
Successful applicants will be notified of the outcome by the end of October 2025, with project delivery running until October 2026.
More information, including details on how to apply and the eligibility criteria, can be found on the PCC’s website.
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