Scam calls impersonating Age UK

Age UK have become aware of scammers in several areas in the UK calling clients asking about damp, mould or queries around insulation pretending they are from Age UK. These are fraudulent calls targeting individuals and clients outside Age UK national, including areas that affect local Age UK Partners. 

What’s happening? Scammers are contacting clients by phone asking about damp/mould or queries around insulation pretending they are from Age UK. They are asking for client details and asking personal questions including if they own their own home.  

These calls are designed to misuse Age UK’s trusted name and trick recipients into sharing personal information and possibly more. Luckily clients in the cases Age UK are aware of were suspicious and didn’t provide any details to the scammers or probed for more information leading to a scammer hanging up on one client.

The clients then notified their local Age UK’s. This resulted in no further action. However, Age UK are unsure if this could have led to financial loss as well as sharing personal information that could have potentially highlighted vulnerabilities too. 

What to look out for - follow Age UK’s recommentations below: 

• STOP– Never do anything you don’t want to or make any decisions on the spot  
• CHECK– Always check their credentials, especially tradespeople. Ask for proof of ID, trade accreditations, ensure quotes and contracts are in writing  
• ASK– Always ask someone you trust for a second opinion  
• MINE – Do not give away personal information  
• SHARE– Share your experience with others to lower their risk of being scammed  

What to do if you do receive a call that you were not expecting:

• DO NOT give any personal or financial information
• NOTE the number & details down if you can of the scam call
• VERIFY say you will call your local Age UK back on their central number or visit them in person to check this is a genuine call.
• CHECK the line: Scammers can keep your phone line open even after you’ve hung up. Use a different phone, call someone you know first to check the line is free, or wait at least 10 to 15 minutes between calls to make sure that any scammer have hung up. 
• REPORT this to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or send a text messasge to 7726. If you think a business is unlawful or acted unfairly then you can also call Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 who can help to make a report to Trading Standards. 
• TELL us at Age UK County Durham by calling 0191 386 3856 and we will report it to Age UK national