Scam Awareness

Come to Charnley Fold and bin your Scam Mail throughout February

Age Concern Central Lancashire and Lancashire Trading Standards are working together to publicise Scamnesty

 What is a Scam?

 A scam is a scheme to con someone out of their cash.  Many scams take the form of bogus and fraudulent offers sent by post, telephone or e-mail.  Every year, three million people fall victim to scams, losing an average of £850 each.

Fake lottery and prize draw wins, bogus psychic predictions, get-rich-quick investment cons and miracle health cures are some of the tricks scammers try.  Though anyone can fall for a scam, the elderly and vulnerable are more likely to be targeted.

What is a chronic scam victim?

A chronic scam victim is someone repeatedly taken in by scams.  This maybe because they are over-trusting, socially isolated or suffer from a mental incapacity such as dementia.

What can you do as a carer, relative or friend?

Be alert watch out for the warning signs, does the person you care for:

 ·         Receive lots of junk mail?

 ·         Have a house full of cheap looking goods such as jewellery and health products?

 ·         Receive frequent calls from strangers?

 ·         Become secretive about finances with family or friends? 

Offer Advice

Some elderly people are often too embarrassed to admit they have fallen for a scam or refuse to believe they have been conned.  Criticising them could do more harm than good.  Instead reassure them by explaining that it’s a common problem, and scammers are very clever and all sorts of people get duped.

You can also help them protect themselves by talking to them about letters or phone calls they get and by sharing some simple tips:

Never give your bank account details or other personal information to people you don’t know.

Don’t ring premium-rate 090 numbers to claim prizes, unless you know how much they cost and what the prize will be.

Never trust anyone who says you have won the lottery or a big prize - they will always want you to send them a fee or order something, and you’ll never see your winnings.

Don’t be frightened into sending off money to so-called psychics.  They send identical letters to thousands of other people to con them.

Offer Advice (continued)

Suggest a person ask Royal Mail to re-direct their post to a relative or friend, and signs up to the free Mail Preference Service to reduce the amount of unsolicited mail they receive. (Tel 0845 703 4599).  They may also wish to change their telephone number to prevent further scams. 

Get Help

 If the victim is reluctant to talk about their problem, or won’t accept advice, don’t give up.  A scammer will not stop until all the victims money has run out - even if this means they end up losing their home and life savings, as well as their confidence and self-respect.

If you think the person you care for may be a scam victim, encourage them to get in touch with Consumer Direct 08454 04 05 06.

 You could also try:

·         Suggesting they talk to Age Concern Caring Cafe Information & Awareness Support Team.  Tel 01772 620876.

·          Alert one of their relatives, or their social worker.

 ·         Inform the local police station.

 Throughout February we will have a Scam Bin where you can leave your scam mail and we will destroy it for you.

 Remember it’s your money not theirs! 

You can contact the Caring Cafe Information and

Awareness Team on 01772 620876

Age Concern Central Lancashire

Charnley Fold Resource Centre

Cottage Lane

Bamber Bridge

Preston

PR5 6YA