Age Cymru supports postal scam debate in Cardiff Bay
Published on 25 June 2014 09:00 AM
Age Cymru is calling for the Welsh Government and postal deliverers to protect older people from postal scams reaching their doorsteps.
We welcome the Conservative-led debate today (June 25) to discuss junk mail.
Vulnerable older people are being lured into postal scam traps with mail falsely claiming they have won large amounts of money.
Age Cymru is aware of individuals who have received up to 70 letters a day with some victims being added to a so-called ‘suckers' list'.
Across the UK it is estimated £3.5 billion per year is lost by individuals to mass marketing scammers.
Age Cymru's Campaigns Coordinator Gerry Keighley, who leads our Scams and swindles campaign, said:
"We want to see more protection for older people by stopping postal scams reaching their letterboxes.
"Many vulnerable people are being ripped off by the scammers and we want to work more closely with the Welsh Government and postal deliverers to combat these scams.
"We have called for mail companies to help identify likely victims who receive excessive amounts of junk mail and this is now happening in parts of Scotland. We want to see this initiative brought to Wales.
"We're also asking for the Welsh Government to review their process of No Cold Calling Zones to help protect older people from rogue traders.
"Our research conducted earlier this year shows that 93% of older people across Wales are in favour of introducing No Cold Calling Zones."
Aled Roberts AM, Welsh Liberal Democrats Spokesperson for Older People says;
"The Welsh Liberal Democrats are supporting Age Cymru's calls to protect older people from postal scams by introducing more No Cold Calling Zones.
"I believe that the substantial postcode variation needs to end and the criteria made less restrictive.
"The Welsh Government needs to review the process to ensure that No Cold Calling Zones can be established wherever they are needed.
"I would like to see more action to prevent rogue traders and postal scammers from targeting vulnerable people and will continue to work closely with Age Cymru to address these issues further following the debate."