LGA Responds To Report On Scams Targeting Vulnerable People

“Carers, families and neighbours need to look out for older and disabled people as they are more likely to be at risk of losing their life savings and suffer deteriorating health after falling victim to scam letters and phone calls and doorstep fraudsters.”

Responding to analysis of scams on older and vulnerable people by Action Fraud and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said:

“Fraud, including scams, is now the most common type of crime in the country with more than two scams and attempted scams being reported to some councils every day.

“Carers, families and neighbours need to look out for older and disabled people as they are more likely to be at risk of losing their life savings and suffer deteriorating health after falling victim to scam letters and phone calls and doorstep fraudsters.

“This is why councils, despite resource and funding pressures, continue to promote devices which block unwanted phone calls, are setting up ‘No cold calling zones’ to deter rogue doorstep traders and are helping victims of scams get their money back from fraudsters through Proceeds of Crime hearings.”