Age UK comment on scam mail

Helena Herklots, Services Director at Age UK, said:

'Although crime against older people is less likely than other age groups, people in later life can be an attractive target for scammers. Fortunately, a lot of scams can be avoided, provided that people have the right information and advice and know what to look out for. If it seems too good to be true it usually is. People should look out for the warning signs such as paying for a ‘free gift' or being asked to give their bank or credit card details. We are working to raise awareness of the issue and help prevent older people being conned.

'Age UK has produced two free information guides ‘Avoiding Scams' and ‘Staying Safe' which warn people of the most common scams and provide practical steps to ensure older people are able to protect themselves against this type of crime in the home and on the doorstep. The guides are available free of charge from Age UK Advice on 0800 169 65 65 or by visiting www.ageuk.org.uk/scams'

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Notes to Editors

Age UK works in partnership with Age Cymru, Age Scotland and Age NI. For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office. Age UK Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age UK Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Media contact: Sarah Scott     
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