Each year millions of people across the UK fall victim to scamming – amongst them are older and vulnerable members of society.
According to Age UK, the seven most common types of scams are, doorstep, mail, phone, email and online, relationship scams, identify theft and investment and pension scams.
Despite scams being designed to cheat people out of money, they also cause emotional distress. However, thanks to organisations like Age UK and Hourglass, there is useful guidance to help prevent people from being scammed.
Age UK has put together a helpful guide on avoiding scams – which also includes information on how to report a scam.
Here is the link to read the guide in full: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/information-guides/ageukig05_avoiding_scams_inf.pdf
As well as contacting their bank, people are advised to get in touch with Action Fraud, which is the centre for reporting fraud and internet crime in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Those living in Scotland should report any scams to Police Scotland.
Here are some other helpful links:
- https://www.ageuk.org.uk/
- https://www.wearehourglass.org/?
- https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
- https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds/
