VIDEO: Keeping the vulnerable safe from scams

A new video has been created by Sussex Police to help professionals, relatives and visitors to the elderly and vulnerable, alerting them to the warning signs that they could be a victim of fraud and scams.
Warning about scamsWarning about scams
Warning about scams

Ranging from scam letters through to rogue doorstep callers doing work which is unrequired, substandard or overpriced, the video introduces the wide range of fraudulent activity for which Sussex residents are targeted.

The video was launched on Tuesday and coincides with other partnership initiatives being run by the force for Scams Awareness Month 2016.

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PC Bernadette Lawrie, who runs Operation Signature at Sussex Police, said: “We created this video because we know that those who visit elderly and vulnerable people are in a unique position to spot those tell-tale signs that someone is being victimised.

“The elderly and socially isolated are hard to reach with other messaging and that is why we are calling on professionals, volunteers and members of the public to spot the signs and report them.

“This month, we want to emphasise to the public that scams are fraud and fraud is crime. If they think someone vulnerable might be being targeted, they should contact us by calling 101 or report online at www.sussex.police.uk.”

Top tips to avoid fraud and scams

Remember: banks and police will never call or email and ask you to transfer funds to a new account, collect your cards from your home, ask you to buy high value goods and never ask you to hand over cards or money.

Keep your money safe with these tips:

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- Check people are who they say they are. Not sure? Don’t open the door!

- Never send or give money to people you don’t know or trust

- Remember to protect your identity – don’t share your personal information with unexpected callers

- Beware of email and computer scams. Treat all emails from unknown senders with suspicion and never click on links within them

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- Never share your PIN number or enter your PIN into a telephone

If in doubt, phone a relative, friend or someone you know personally.

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