Thousands of scams a year in Wales

Thousands of scams and unwanted doorstep calls were reported throughout Wales in the past year.

Our research shows that at least 1,000 unwanted doorstep calls were reported to Trading Standards between February 2012 to February 2013, plus more than 1,600 mail, phone and internet scams.

We've released these figures ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day which is tomorrow (Saturday 15 June).  

Our Campaigns Coordinator Gerry Keighley says:

"This is probably just the tip of the iceberg - according to the Citizens Advice Bureau only 5% of scams are reported,"

"We could be looking at as many as 50,000 scams and unwanted doorstep calls in one year in Wales and in a great many cases the potential victims were older people."

The information, compiled under the Freedom of Information Act, shows there is a drastic need for action.

Gerry Keighley comments:

"Awareness campaigns alone are not protecting older people.

"We believe it is time the companies who deliver the scams to people's homes, such as Royal Mail, telephony companies and internet providers should shoulder more of the responsibility.

"We also believe the Welsh Government should consider a major increase in the size and scope of ‘No Cold Calling Zones' to keep away some of the rogue traders who prey on older people."

Age Cymru's calls have been backed by Mid and West Wales Assembly Member Rebecca Evans.

"I am grateful to Age Cymru for their work in exposing and highlighting the scale of this problem.", says Ms Evans.

"The Welsh Government's No Cold Calling Zones are one way in which doorstep criminals can be deterred.

"The zones can also play an important role in empowering individuals and communities.

"There are currently 1,500 No Cold Calling Zones across Wales, covering 40,000 households.

"They have proven to be successful and I am keen to see them expanded further, particularly in areas where there are high numbers of older people living."

Age Cymru is launching a campaign to call for more filtering of suspicious post by Royal Mail and intervention to help suspected victims and for older people to have the best possible level of internet security.