Evaluation of Scam Champion Project for Re-engage

The project is funded by a charity, Re-engage, which has a primary focus upon the provision of vital, life-enhancing social connections for older people at a time in their lives when their social circles are diminishing. The internet and social media have and can play a vital role in facilitating these connections of individuals and groups, and helping create opportunities that can reduce both physical and perceived loneliness.

However, there are aspects associated with use of the internet and social media that can be detrimental to users, if misunderstood, misused or misinterpreted. For those members who may not be regular users of the internet, this can potentially lead to opportunities for abuse, or fraudulent activity. With high profile media reporting of internet fraud and malpractice, this can also create a heightened perception on the level of fraud, and the potential for individuals to become victims of crime, deterring some users from fully embracing social media, the internet and its ability to create life-enhancing social connections.

After receiving recent funding to help train their volunteers in areas of fraud/scam prevention, Reengage entered into discussions with Professor Mark Button, the Co-Director of the Centre for Cybercrime and Economic Crime, within the University of Portsmouth’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice to look into opportunities to assess and evaluate the impact of this training upon their clientele.