'Scams and swindles' Parliamentary debate

Age Cymru's 'Scams and swindles' campaign was given a major boost in Parliament this week by a former Secretary of State.

Torfaen MP Paul Murphy, who headed up both the Welsh and Northern Ireland offices in the last government, called on the current administration to introduce more protection for older people in Wales against scams.

Quoting Age Cymru's figures for the number of scams in a recent 12 month period, Mr Murphy, backed by fellow Welsh MPs Jessica Morden, Nia Griffith and Chris Evans, had successfully balloted for an adjournment debate in Westminster Hall.

He told the debate that the people preyed upon by "these crooks and gangsters" were the most vulnerable older people who not only lost money, but also their self esteem and, tragically, their will to live.

Mr Murphy said:

"People have been persuaded to send money abroad to non-existent lotteries, to manipulative clairvoyants or they have paid several times over the odds for work done on their properties."

Praising the work of Age Cymru, which he described as "a fine organisation", Mr Murphy called on both the Welsh and English governments, councils, charities, the police and communications companies to work together to defeat the scammers.

He added:

"Rules should be changed to help Royal Mail staff report suspicious mail, especially when they can see vulnerable households receiving a large amount of potential scam mail."

Other speakers mentioned the number of rogue companies who were cashing in on the Green Deal, charging for advice and assessments which could be obtained freely from registered companies.

Wales Office minister Stephen Crabb responded on behalf of the government and also praised the work of Age Cymru  in fighting for more protection for older people.

You can watch the debate here.