Council protects vulnerable adults with scam call blocking devices
13 Jun 2023 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Some of the most elderly and vulnerable people in Northumberland who have been plagued by nuisance and scam phone calls have been given greater security and peace of mind after being loaned telephone blocking devices by Northumberland County Council.
The council has 5 ‘TrueCall’ telephone call blocking devices that it loans out to vulnerable residents for a short time in a bid to clamp down on fraudsters and offer a greater sense of security for those most at risk.
The devices have been used across the county blocking 99 per cent of nuisance and scam calls for the occupiers of those properties they were installed in, providing significant benefit and respite to those who had previously being targeted.
The TrueCall devices, which normally cost around £110, plug in between the phone and the telephone socket and intercept all calls.
Unless the caller and number is registered in advance by the occupier, before letting the caller through, they must first state their name and where they are calling from so that the person receiving the call can decide whether or not to let them through.
Councillor Gordon Stewart, Northumberland County Council’s Cabinet Member for Looking After our Communities said:
“We know that these call-blockers can make a real difference to people's lives and give those in vulnerable situations, such as those with dementia and their families, a greater sense of protection and security. They reduce confusion and stress for older people and help those who live alone feel safer and more in control.
“Not only do they prevent our most vulnerable residents from high-end scams worth thousands of pounds, but the call blockers’ sheer presence takes away their worry when answering the phone.”
“We have a small supply of the devices that we can lend to older adults who are the group most vulnerable to scam calls and we want to put them where they will be the most use.
The council council’s public protection team is asking residents to follow the advice below and keep one step ahead of the scammers.
- Accept there is a scam for everything and everyone. Scammers can be very friendly and convincing and can contact you at the door, by phone, post or online.
- NEVER EVER provide bank details or share your pin number or personal details by email or over the phone unless you are absolutely certain who you are giving them to.
- Never click on a link from an unknown email source as this can give the scammers access to your computer and personal details.
- If you receive a call or message claiming your account has been hacked, a fraudulent transaction has occurred or a loan has been approved, it’s most likely a scam. Only contact your bank using the number you know is correct.
- Never be rushed into making a quick decision on deals or offers. Insist on time to get independent advice. Ask for the caller's details then check their credentials eg through Trustpilot.
- Always log on to a website directly rather than clicking on links in an email or Facebook.
- Trust your instincts. If you’re reading or listening to a message and something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and hang up or delete it.
If you are elderly or have an elderly member of your family being plagued by unwanted phone calls, pl
ease ring 01670 623870
or send an e-mail to
trading.standards@northumberland.gov.uk and a member of the public protection team will be in contact to see if we can assist.