Beat-the-scammers advice pack for older residents

Older people in the Royal Borough now have access to a handy new self-help guide on how to spot and deal with domestic scams and cowboys.

The free pack - brought together by the council's adult services and trading standards teams, with help from the Older Persons' Advisory Forum - aims to give older and more vulnerable residents the information they need to enjoy better security in their own homes.

Delivered to more than 8,000 older residents, it provides advice on how to deal with both doorstep conmen and postal scams such as bogus lottery win notifications. There is also advice from the police on burglary prevention and information on how to access a wide range of adult care services.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for adult and community services, said: "Unfortunately it is the older and more vulnerable members of our community who are the biggest targets for rogues and conmen. We want people to feel safe in their own homes and to be able to live full and independent lives, free from the fear of crime. We hope this new pack will help to achieve that."

Cllr Phill Bicknell, lead member for public protection, said: "Many postal scams look completely genuine but if you haven't entered a lottery or prize draw then you won't have won it. Any notification, scheme or offer that asks you to send an administration fee up front will definitely be a fraud and people should never respond.

"This pack sets out clear, commonsense advice and I would like to thank the trading standards and adult services teams for bringing together such a useful source of information."

The pack also contains advice on dealing with people who turn up on the doorstep and offer to do roofing work, gardening or other types of home maintenance. Agreeing to have work done by such people can often lead to problems. Work is likely to be of a very poor standard and over priced - commonly by thousands of pounds - and the people responsible are usually impossible to track down once they have gone.

Residents aged 60 or more or who have a disability and need to have jobs done around the home can contact Repair with Care (details in the pack) who can help identify the work that needs doing and find a trusted trader to do it.

The pack is being distributed to everyone aged 70 and over in the Royal Borough and will be available at local community and council offices. Alternatively, to receive a pack in the post call 01628 683672 or email trading.standards@rbwm.gov.uk

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