Minister for the old ‘could help fight fraudsters’
FRAUDSTERS would not find it as easy to target pensioners if there was a Minister for Older People fighting for tougher laws, according to victims and campaigners.
Fraud is now the most common crime in England and Wales.
And older people are 50 times more likely to be victim of fraud or a computer scam than a robbery.
The long-term impact on mental health has been exposed in a joint study by Reassura – a new anti-fraud helpline for pensioners – and the Centre for Counter Fraud Studies.
It also revealed fraud risks adding to the loneliness epidemic faced by Britain’s ageing population. It said falling victim to a scam would leave 68 per cent feeling hesitant to answer the phone or open the door.
Mark White set up Reassura – which offers older people fraud advice – after his 93-year-old motherin-law Dolores Parker was repeatedly targeted by fraudsters, but felt too ashamed to tell anyone. He said: “We need a ministerial champion to raise the profile of this blight to a national level and co-ordinate plans to combat it. Individually they are doing great work, but there is not enough co-ordination of the police, National Trading Standards, charities, banks and other businesses to deal with this huge issue. The sentiment of shame and self-blame scam victims feel must change.”
Ms Parker added: “Knowing that someone in government was looking out for people like me and putting older people’s issues to the top of the agenda would be extremely welcome.
“I felt ashamed to talk to anyone about my experience.”
The Daily Express is asking readers, their friends and family to sign our petition calling for the appointment of a Minister for Older People. It says: “This role needs to be established because nobody is taking overall responsibility for ensuring society treats older citizens fairly.”
More than 2,000 people have added their names. At 10,000 signatures the Government has to respond.
When it is signed by 100,000 people, it will be considered for debate in Parliament. ●Please sign our petition at https://petition.parliament.uk/ petitions/220923