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 authority’s Public Protection Service has eleven ‘TrueCall’ telephone call blocking devices which it has been loaning out to residents 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 are simple to instal. They 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 follow the instructions on a message. This cuts out automated calls. Higher levels of security can be applied to the box if necessary to make it harder for anyone to get through.  

 

Having achieved the desired effect of reducing the number of calls received, the devices are then placed in the homes of other residents in need.  

 

Councillor Gordon Stewart, Northumberland County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Safety said: 

  

“These call blocker devices have proved invaluable in protecting our residents who can get inundated with nuisance and scam calls. 

 

“Scammers can be very clever and convincing, and it is sometimes hard to work out who is genuine and who is not, and for our most vulnerable residents this is a real worry. 

 

“The call blockers’ sheer presence takes away this worry when answering the phone and gives 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.” 

 

“The county council has 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.   

 

“If you are elderly or have an elderly member of your family being plagued by unwanted phone calls please send an e-mail to tradingstandards@northumberland.gov.uk and we will be in contact to see if we can assist.” said Cllr Stewart.