A ROMANCE scam victim has been awarded £23,000 in compensation thanks to the help of Shropshire Council’s trading standard’s team.

The authority became aware of the case six months ago, when a vulnerable adult in the county reported a romance scam which had been ongoing for three years and had resulted in £15,000 of debt.

Allan Campbell, the trading standards investigating officer said that the team was really pleased that the victim in this distressing case has been awarded due compensation after the terrible ordeal that they have been through.

He added: "Scammers today are very sophisticated and the pursuit of justice can be challenging, but this result makes all the hard work worthwhile.

"The deceit involved in this kind of scam can be highly traumatic, causing the individual to become isolated and quite desperate.

He continued: "Many victims suffer in silence, not realising that there is help available.

"Myself and my colleagues hope this this result shows anybody else who is a victim that they are not alone, and that we are here to provide support without judgement in any way that we can."

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Richard Marshall, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and regulatory services added that this result is a huge relief to the person who was targeted in this case, and an example of the unrelenting commitment of their trading standards colleagues.

"The impact of the work carried out cannot be understated," he said.

"The social and emotional toll of this type of criminality is as damaging as the financial loss, and we know that the compassion and professionalism with which our officers undertake their duties is key to their success."

Across the UK, council teams are on the frontline of trading standards endeavours, battling an ever-increasing onslaught from illegal scammers.

Cllr Marshall added: "We would like to remind the public to be aware, be vigilant, and to seek help if they need it. "You are not alone."

To report a scam, please call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. If you are a victim of scam and need advice, you can seek support from the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.