A CITIZENS Advice volunteer from Selkirk is set to crack the conmen after being promoted to scambassador.

Martyn Buckley, who is treasurer of the Central Borders CAB, was promoted to his new position by the Trading Standards initiative Friends Against Scams.

His scambassador appointment comes at the end of the Scams Awareness Month - a campaign which was run throughout June by the CAB service.

Martyn told us: "I'm delighted to take on this role.

"The CAB network has just brought our own Scams Awareness Month to an end, and it has been one of the biggest and most successful anti-scam campaigns we have ever run.

"But the fight against scams must be an ongoing effort, with many different partners working together all year round to raise awareness of how many scams exist and how people can beat them.

"Our message to people here in the Borders and across the country is to always be vigilant and on the look-out for scams, and if you do come across one make sure you report it to the police or to Trading Standards.

"That's how we will stop the scammers."

Dozens of elderly people are conned out of savings every year in the Borders by rogue workmen, bogus callers and online scams.

Martyn, who worked in public sector finance for 39 years by several local authorities across Scotland, has been a Trustee of the Scottish Borders CAB consortium since 2011.

And he was elected to the Board of Citizens Advice Scotland in 2017.

As well as inspiring counter-fraud activities, Friends Against Scams highlights the scale of the problem, change the perceptions of why people fall for scams.

Martyn added: "I would also urge people to sign up to the Friends Against Scams campaign at www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk. Anyone can sign up and there are lots of ways to get involved.

"The fight against scams is all about spreading the word, raising awareness and empowering people and communities.

"The more people who can be involved, the better.”