Spot the scam, stop the scam: Age UK to benefit from items bought as part of a scam

A victim of over 40 cruel postal scams has volunteered to donate the items she bought as part of this to local charity Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, so that older people can benefit.

The items, which include cups, TV remote controls, perfume and many other things, were recently handed over to Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s Head of Operations, Kevin Moore, and its Chief Executive, Heather Osborne, by Shropshire Council’s public protection team.

All of these items and more have been sent to the victim over the period of a year.  She handed over around £550 a month – thinking that she would receive more cash in return.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for public protection, said:

“Sadly, it’s common for us to learn of people falling victim to unscrupulous scams such as these.  However, I’m pleased to say that our public protection team is working hard to stop others suffering by offering them essential help and advice.

“It’s extremely kind and thoughtful of this particular victim to donate the items she has spent hard-earned money on.  I’m glad that they will now be sold to benefit others.”

Heather Osborne, Age UK’s chief executive, said:

“We can put these items to good use to raise money for us to support more local older people.  However, we want to make sure that other older people don’t get taken in by scams like this.”

Should you receive any scam mail, or know of anyone experiencing problems with continuous telephone calls from persistent cold callers, you can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0345 404 0506 to report the incident, or Shropshire Council’s customer services on 0345 678 9000.

The council’s public protection team is currently running a month-long campaign “Spot the scam, stop the scam” to raise awareness of a cruel crime that damages consumer confidence, and at worst, blights the lives of victims and their families.