Action Fraud report reveals £7 million lost to holiday fraud
Fraudsters stole more than £7 million from unsuspecting holidaymakers and other travellers in 2018, a new report reveals.
More than 100,000 scam phone calls to the vulnerable and elderly have been blocked in a year, as a result of a £500,000 project, announced by Prime Minister Theresa May last April, saw 99% of unwanted calls halted.
Thousands of devices were given to people at risk, including those with dementia.
Between May 2017 and April 2018 108,918 calls were not accepted.
The devices will not allow recorded messages, silent calls and calls from numbers not pre-identified by the homeowner.
Eight in 10 had felt worried and 60 per cent felt threatened or scared.
After the blockers were installed this fell to 17 per cent and 10 per cent.
Trading Standards’ Louise Baxter said: “Nuisance phone calls have a huge impact on emotional and physical health, not to mention financial losses.”
Digital Minister Margot James said: “We are determined to end the plague of nuisance calls ruining elderly and vulnerable people’s lives. Only last month we laid out plans to make bosses of rogue companies personally liable for up to £500,000 if their firm breaks the law.”
It is estimated that over five years the 1,500 call blockers given out will save consumers and taxpayers £18million.
TOP TIPS
- If it sounds too good to be true it probably is
- Never give out your bank details or send money unless you are certain you can trust the person who has contacted you
- If you receive a sales call you have not requested, be suspicious
- Neither your bank or the police would collect a bank card, ask for your PIN or come to your home to collect financial paperwork
- You shouldn't have to pay money to receive a prize
- You shouldn't have to pay money via Ukash or Western Union to claim mis-sold PPI
- If you are put under pressure to make an immediate decision be suspicious and politely decline
- Computer firms do not make unsolicited calls to help fix your computer
- Register with the telephone preference service on 0845 070 0707 to block unwanted calls
- If you're still concerned, consider installing call blocking technology to reduce nuisance calls
