Rugby MP Mark Pawsey is warning constituents to be extra vigilant following a police scam warning.
Police have warned Ofcom of a phone scam where fraudsters use courier firms to defraud elderly and vulnerable people of their entire life savings.
Over the past two years Courier Fraud has claimed over two thousand victims, most of whom were elderly. Police have estimated that consumers have been defrauded out of millions of pounds with one victim alone having lost £155k.
Mark said:
“Fraudsters are preying on the vulnerable and elderly in a despicable and opportunistic manner.
It is vitally important that we make everyone here in Rugby aware of these scams but particularly the elderly. I would ask everyone to be extra vigilant and follow some of the simple steps suggested by Ofcom and to always remember that help is available locally.
Mark concluded:
“I would strongly encourage anyone affected by these scams to seek help from my office or from Citizen’s Advice.”
Ofcom have also published a consumer guide to scams with practical advice and contact details to report potential scams. It can be read at http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/files/2012/09/scams-logo.pdf.