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Gordon MP joins Age UK to warn people of scams


By David Porter

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Richard Thomson MP for Gordon, has joined with Age UK to warn older people to keep on their guard from scams as lockdown restrictions ease.

Millions of people fall victim to fraudulent activity and scams every year, with elderly people being particularly vulnerable to being targeted by criminals.

With 800,000 older people experiencing fraud each year, charity Age UK has now created a useful new guide on how people protect themselves online.

Although getting online can make life easier, with online scams becoming more common, it is important that people know what to look out for.

The new Age UK guide has helpful advice for scam victims which includes how to report fraud online or over the phone; where to access emotional and practical support for those victims who feel low or anxious; who to contact if struggling to pay bills after a scam; and how to help a friend or relative who has been scammed.

The advice can be found via www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/scams-fraud/support-for-scam-victims/

The guide, which includes information on fake websites, computer viruses, relationship scams, health scams and email scams, also contains resources to help shop and bank safely online, as well as protecting privacy on social media.

Mr Thomson said: “Many of us have been doing more online to access services over the past year due to the pandemic.

"With the increasing number of online scams, which are often highly realistic and professionally presented by the organised criminals behind them, it’s important for everyone to know how to spot the dangers and keep safe.

“Age UK’s guide on how to stay safe online is an excellent resource and I would encourage everyone – particularly older constituents, as well as families and carers or anyone concerned about a neighbour, to read it carefully.”

Older constituents who would like to speak to someone about scams or fraud can contact Age UK’s free advice line on 0800 678 1602.

Printed copies of the advice guides are also available from this number on request.

The Age UK online guide is available here:www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/work-learning/technology-internet/internet-security/




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