As International Fraud Awareness Week (16 to 22 November) approaches, Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst MP visited Leeds Building Society’s Solihull branch to see how their team is helping local people protect themselves against scams and financial crime.
With nearly half of people now saying they are worried about financial fraud, Dr Shastri-Hurst highlighted the importance of ensuring that practical advice and support are available across local communities. During his visit, he joined branch colleagues for one of their dedicated fraud clinics, which offer one-to-one sessions on online banking security, scam calls, and recognising suspicious activity.
These clinics, developed by Leeds Building Society’s Financial Crime Prevention and Customer Experience teams, are open to both members and the wider public. Each appointment is tailored to the individual, providing practical advice on keeping finances safe.
Joanna Brereton, Branch Manager at Leeds Building Society’s Solihull branch, said:
“We were pleased to welcome Neil to our branch to show how our fraud clinics support both our members and the wider community. Financial scams can affect anyone, and these sessions provide a practical way for people to build both their knowledge and their confidence.”
Dr Shastri-Hurst said he was impressed by the dedication of the Solihull branch team, who are not only supporting their members but also raising awareness across the wider community.
“It was great to visit Leeds Building Society’s Solihull branch and see the difference these clinics can make within our community. Ensuring constituents feel more confident in spotting and reporting scams is so important, and I’d encourage anyone interested to book a fraud clinic appointment.”
Dr Shastri-Hurst emphasised that fraud can affect anyone, regardless of age or background, and praised initiatives like this for empowering people to recognise scams early, protect their personal data, and report suspicious activity.
Appointments can be booked by phone or directly at the branch. Leeds Building Society’s commitment to supporting local people through their fraud prevention work, he added, is an excellent example of how businesses can help build safer communities.
