Staying safe this Christmas: A fraud prevention guide for older residents in Eastbourne, Hailsham and Polegate
This festive season, safeguarding ourselves and our loved ones from financial fraud is more important than ever. Scammers often exploit the generosity of others, using increasingly sophisticated tactics to target vulnerable individuals, particularly older adults who may be less familiar with modern technology.
In the communities of Eastbourne, Hailsham and Polegate, raising awareness about these threats can help protect our older friends and family members during this busy time of year.
While scammers are relentless, awareness is our greatest defense! Here are some prevalent scams to be vigilant about this Christmas:
Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated, but vigilance and quick action can prevent scams. Here are two recent examples from our own clients (names have been changed to protect privacy):
A Care Professional’s Intervention
Our client Brian was targeted by a sophisticated phone scam. A fraudster, posing to be from the bank, attempted to obtain herbank details. The Care Professional acted swiftly, dialing 1471 to trace the caller’s number. After confirming the number was not legitimate, the incident was reported to the bank and Action Fraud, helping to protect others from potential scams.
Margaret’s Potential Solar Panel Scam
In a potential scam incident, our client Margaret, who lives with dementia, was approached by a suspicious individual claiming to be a solar panel salesman who was allowed into her home. During his visit, the gentleman unexpectedly answered a call from Margaret’s family member, whose immediate concern and heightened suspicion raised red flags about the stranger’s presence. Our vigilant Care Professionals conducted a thorough investigation of the property – an elderly home ill-suited for solar panel installation – and discovered that no financial transaction had occurred, despite Margaret’s vulnerable state preventing her from independently recounting the suspicious visit. Prioritising her safety, we swiftly collaborated with her family to install a Ring doorbell, enabling remote monitoring of visitors, and promptly reported the incident to local law enforcement to prevent potential future exploitation and ensure Margaret’s continued well-being.