More support needed to tackle scams targeting people living with dementia
Following the success of Scams Awareness month in June, Scotland’s national charity for older people, Age Scotland, has launched two free scams prevention guides for people living with dementia and their carers.
The charity is encouraging Scots to call them for free copies of the guides, which have been created to help those living with dementia and information for their carers. The packs include handy checklists to be kept by the door and phone to help flag instances of doorstep, telephone and postal scams and advice on what to do.
The number of people living with dementia in Scotland is set to rise from 80,000 to over 120,000 in the next 20 years and older people living with dementia are at risk of being scammed due to their perceived vulnerability of memory loss and confusion.
Around 400,000 older people living in Scotland, nearly the population of Edinburgh, have been targeted by scammers according to 2017 research by Age Scotland and Age UK.
Brian Sloan, Age Scotland’s Chief Executive said:
“While many older people with dementia live well independently at home, to fraudsters they have a perceived weakness that makes them susceptible to scams. People living with dementia may find doorstep, postal, online and phone scams difficult to manage if their condition causes problems with decision making or remembering information. This is exacerbated if they are not able to fully understand what is being said or asked of them – especially if the caller is pushy.”
On average, people aged 75 to 79 lose £4,500 to scams. Out of those who are targeted by scams, seven out of ten people do not tell anyone about it including friends, family or the organisation being impersonated according to research from Citizens Advice Bureau.
Brian said: “We want to empower people living with dementia so we’re encouraging them and their families, friends and carers to talk about scams and establish a plan to best help protect themselves from fraudsters. These new guides help you to spot a scam, avoid it and how to report it.
“It’s important that people living with dementia make financial decisions with their financial advisor – the website Unbiased allows you to find regulated and qualified advisors - and their trusted inner circle of family and friends before committing to anything. Consider whether granting a power of attorney would be helpful for you and your family.
“We also highly recommend approaching trusted suppliers rather than using strangers who approach you. A trusted supplier will not make you feel uncomfortable or confused. If they do – they’re not the right fit for you. Your local council’s Trusted Trader Scheme or a local Care and Repair Service is a great place to look for home and garden services, rather than those who approach you on the doorstep.”
The new scam prevention guides and power of attorney guides are available for free by calling the Age Scotland helpline is 0800 12 44 222.
