Harrogate building society launches new campaign to help residents avoid scams

People in Harrogate are being encouraged to brush up on the warning signs of fraud and learn how to protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated scams during International Fraud Awareness Week.

Leeds Building Society’s branch on Oxford Street is offering an ongoing programme of free fraud clinics to the local community, giving people the opportunity to speak face to face with colleagues and get practical guidance on spotting and avoiding scams.

The sessions are open to everyone, not just Leeds Building Society members, and cover common types of fraud including phishing messages, impersonation scams and online banking fraud.

The initiative highlights the important role local branches can play in helping people access trusted, face-to-face support. Leeds Building Society has committed to keeping all 51 of its branches open until at least September 2031.

Stephen Senior, Head of Financial Crime Prevention at Leeds Building Society, said: “Fraud can affect anyone, which is why awareness and education are so important.

“Our colleagues in Harrogate are there to help local people understand how scams work, recognise the warning signs and know what steps they can take to protect themselves.

“International Fraud Awareness Week is a timely reminder to stay vigilant, ask questions and seek advice if something doesn’t feel right.”

Graham Binns, Head of Branch Network at Leeds Building Society, said: “Branches are about much more than transactions.

“They give people somewhere local where they can sit down and talk to a real person, particularly when they’re worried or unsure about something.

“Fraud is a good example of where that face-to-face support really matters.

“If someone has received a suspicious message, is worried they may have been targeted by a scam or simply wants advice on staying safe, being able to speak to someone they trust can be hugely reassuring.

“That support doesn’t stop at the end of International Fraud Awareness Week.

“Our colleagues are here throughout the year to listen, offer guidance and help people feel more confident about protecting themselves from fraud.”

A Leeds Building Society customer was recently saved from losing £10,000 after colleagues spotted signs that they could be the victim of fraud.

The customer had visited a branch for a routine £100 withdrawal, but checks revealed an unusual £10,000 payment had been requested the previous day from an account that had seen little activity for more than a decade.

After colleagues took the time to speak to the customer and investigate further, the Banking Protocol was invoked. The £10,000 payment was cancelled and the money returned to the customer's account.

A spokesperson added: “The case demonstrates why Leeds Building Society is running free fraud awareness clinics, helping people understand the tactics used by fraudsters, recognise potential warning signs and know what action to take if they're concerned.

“The sessions are open to everyone, not just Leeds Building Society members, providing practical, face-to-face advice to help people protect themselves and their money.”

Anyone interested in attending a fraud clinic can visit Leeds Building Society’s Harrogate branch on Oxford Street or speak to a colleague to find out more.