Northumberland Age UK – Scams Awareness

We wanted to introduce you to Sarah, Age UK Scams Specialist, who will be running new Scams Awareness and Support Programme over the next two years.  The programme will provide practical advice and support, free of charge, to help older people identify potential scams, learn what to do if they are faced with someone trying to scam them and of course support if they have suffered from a scam.

We all know someone who has been scammed – Sophisticated scams have been on the rise during the pandemic with criminals devising even more ways to target those they believe to be vulnerable. This means it’s even more vital to support those that may be at greater risk.  Scams can have a devastating effect on older victims and that is why we have launched this important programme to help keep older people in Northumberland as safe as possible.

The Scams Awareness and Support Programme offers two levels of support: Group Scams awareness sessions- delivered to older people and their trusted others and 1-1 Support- our advice and support is free of charge, treated in the strictest of confidence and individualised to fit the customer’s needs.

They are happy to make home visits or meet at a local community venue and individuals can self-refer or a professional can make a client approved referral to us.

They are also able to access and install free call blocker units for customer struggling with phone scams or for those who are more at risk through reduced cognitive functioning.

If you know someone who might benefit from their support please don’t hesitate to get in touch on the details below.

To find out more about Age UK Northumberland’s Scams Prevention and Support Programme and what they do, please visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/northumberland/ or contact Sarah Cooper, Project Lead- Scams Awareness and Support Programme on 01670 784 800 option 2 or email info@ageuk-northumberland.org.uk