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Scammers are pretending to be Age UK

We've been made aware of a worrying new scam where fraudsters are pretending to be from Age UK.

 
Reports from around the UK suggest that scammers are calling older people, claiming to be from local Age UK's, such as Age UK East Sussex, and offering help with issues such as damp, mould or home insulation. Their aim is to gain your trust and persuade you to share personal information or agree to services you didn't ask for.
 
Thankfully, in the cases reported so far, the people contacted were suspicious and ended the call without giving away any information.
 
How to protect yourself
 
If you receive an unexpected call claiming to be from Age UK:
 
  • Don't feel pressured to continue the conversation. It's perfectly okay to hang up
  • Never share personal or financial information with someone who has called you unexpectedly
  • Talk to someone you trust before agreeing to anything or making a decision
Remember these five simple steps:
 
  • STOP – Never feel pressured into making a decision on the spot.
  • CHECK – Ask for identification and verify who you're dealing with.
  • ASK – Speak to a friend or family member if you're unsure.
  • MINE – Keep your personal information private.
  • SHARE – Tell others about scams so they know what to look out for.
If you think you've been targeted by a scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 and let us know. The more we hear about new scams, the better we can help warn others.
 
Scammers are becoming increasingly convincing, but a healthy dose of caution is still one of the best ways to stay safe.
 

More information

Tracey's Scams Talks timetable for this month

Protecting yourself from scams information guide