Farron urges government to press ahead with financial fraud ‘hotline’ plans

Local MP Tim Farron has called on the government to press ahead with plans to set up a new telephone hotline for victims of financial fraud.

Under the plans anyone worried about scammers would be able to dial 555.

Victims could be transferred immediately to their bank's fraud department or to the Police.

The South Lakes MP has written to Crime Minister urging the government to push ahead with the plans, but not to forget those who have been victims of financial fraud in the past.

Earlier this week, the Cumbrian MP put down a motion in the House of Commons calling on the banking regulator to impose fines on banks that don't help fraud victims, after being contacted by Jane and Stephen Caldwell from Arnside who had lost over £100,000 through a banking scam earlier this year

Tim said: "The proposal for a hotline for people who are worried that they are being scammed is a positive step forward to helping those who fear they may be being targeted by fraudsters

"However, at the moment these are just proposals - which is why I'm urging the government to commit to put the 555 hotline into action as quickly as possible.

"The government must also not forget about those who have been victims of fraud in the past like Jane and Stephen, who were let down by their banks who refused to help them after they lost all of their life savings.

"Those who have already fallen victim must be supported and given compensation."