Protecting our elderly community from scammers in Lewes District and Uckfield

Keeping our elderly neighbours safe

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. At Home Instead Lewes District and Uckfield, we’re dedicated to supporting our local residents by providing the knowledge and tools to protect themselves from financial fraud.

Understanding fraud risks in our local area

Fraudsters are skilled manipulators who carefully target vulnerable members of our community. Our local area, with its mix of historic towns and rural villages, presents unique challenges. Every year, numerous vulnerable adults fall victim to scams that can deeply impact their financial security and emotional well being. Our team has witnessed firsthand the profound effects these criminal activities can have on individuals and families throughout the Lewes District.

Common seasonal scam tactics to watch out for:

While scammers are relentless, awareness is our greatest defence! Here are some prevalent scams to be vigilant about this Christmas:

• Telephone deceptions: Scammers may impersonate trusted officials – such as tech support, banks, or maintenance services – using urgency to pressure victims into quick decisions.
• Unexpected services: Fraudulent service providers offer unsolicited home repairs or maintenance at exorbitant prices, targeting elderly homeowners.
• Fake QR codes: Scammers paste counterfeit QR codes over genuine ones (e.g., in car parks) to redirect users to fraudulent websites. Always check for tampering and visit websites directly when in doubt.
• Parcel delivery scams: Be wary of messages claiming you owe a fee for parcel redelivery. Remember, delivery charges are the sender’s responsibility.
• Friend or family emergency scams: Scammers may impersonate loved ones, asking for urgent help or money. Verify their identity before responding.
• Phishing emails or letters: Fraudsters pretend to be from organisations like the DVLA or TV Licensing, requesting sensitive information. Always verify sender details and avoid clicking suspicious links.
• Online marketplace scams: When selling online, be cautious of buyers requesting upfront courier fees or promising reimbursement later.

Real life stories from our own clients:

Names may have been changed to protect individual privacy.

Janet’s experience

Janet, a resident of Lewes, experienced a typical bank scam when she received a legitimate call about unusual account activity from her bank. The caller claimed her credit card had been used for £300 worth of shoes and £400 of white goods. When she confirmed these weren’t her purchases, the bank immediately cancelled her card and launched an investigation, ultimately returning her money.

Local scam tactics

Scammers often target elderly residents with fabricated repair needs – guttering, gardening, driveways, or roof issues that don’t exist. They may approach vulnerable individuals, sometimes offering to drive them to the bank or using portable card machines for immediate payment. These criminals typically target those who appear alone, often after carefully observing their home, particularly in our more secluded rural areas around Uckfield and the Downs.

Prevention strategies:

• Never share personal information during unsolicited calls or emails
• Remain sceptical of urgent or threatening communications
• Independently verify information using official contact methods
• Consult trusted family members before making financial decisions
• Report suspicious activities to local authorities

Local support:

• Lewes District Council: 01273 471600
• Uckfield Town Council: 01825 762774
• Sussex Police (Non-Emergency): 101
• Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040

Taking action together:

Protecting our Lewes District and Uckfield community requires a collective effort. Our team remains committed to providing ongoing support, education and resources to help local residents stay ahead of fraudsters.

Together, we can keep our Lewes District and Uckfield community safe from these scams.