Chief Fire Officer Dan Quin and Cllr Kevin Deanus become SCAMbassadors

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is proud to announce that Chief Fire Officer Dan Quin and Councillor Kevin Deanus, Cabinet Member for Fire and Rescue, and Resilience, have become SCAMbassadors for the Friends Against Scams initiative. This will empower SFRS to raise awareness, support victims of scams, and work with the community to combat fraudulent activities. 

Friends Against Scams, run by National Trading Standards and hosted by Surrey County Council is committed to protecting individuals from scams and providing crucial support to those affected. As a SCAMbassador, the pair will use their influence to spread the initiative’s message and promote the #NoBlameNoShame approach. This encourages open discussions about scams, reducing the stigma that often prevents victims from seeking help. 

“Scams can have a devastating impact on our communities, especially on vulnerable residents,” said Dan Quin. “Becoming a SCAMbassador allows me to support this important work and help ensure everyone in Surrey feels safer and more secure from fraud. By working alongside Trading Standards and promoting initiatives like Friends Against Scams, we can make a real difference and empower residents with the knowledge and resources they need to stay protected. 

“Becoming a SCAMbassador is a crucial step in helping protect our residents from the devastating impact of scams,” said Councillor Deanus. “Fraud can leave victims feeling isolated and vulnerable, and it’s our duty to raise awareness and ensure everyone in Surrey knows where to turn for support. Together, we can make a difference.” 

Since April, Trading Standards has already made significant progress in safeguarding residents. Over 402 Surrey and Buckinghamshire residents have received protection, 22 free door cameras and 80 free call blockers have been installed, and 43,541 nuisance and fraudulent cold calls have been blocked. These efforts have collectively prevented an estimated £2.2 million in financial losses. 

The positive feedback from the community highlights the impact of these measures. Residents have shared stories of feeling safer, more secure, and less isolated, especially those who previously suffered from the stress and anxiety caused by scam attempts. 

Trading Standards and Friends Against Scams are encouraging more people to take action. Staff and members of the public can become SCAMbassadors by completing the training online at Friends Against Scams or by participating in a webinar hosted by Trading Standards: Webinar Sign-Up. 

Moving forward, the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service team will be receiving scam and fraud awareness training, with the goal of having all stations fully trained by Christmas. CFO Quin is also encouraging local decision-makers to join the initiative as SCAMbassadors, amplifying the effort to protect those most at risk. 

For more information on how to get involved or to access resources, visit www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk.