Free call-blockers offered to scam victims

FREE call-blockers will be made available to some people targeted by scammers. Up to 2,000 devices are being provided on a first come, first served basis by the National Trading Standards Scams Team.

It follows a pilot programme in 2017 in which 99 pc of scam and nuisance phone calls were blocked. Before the trial, 31 pc of users had lost a total of £970,042 to coldcallers. After the pilot, only 1 pc of users had lost money to the calls.

The devices block all recorded messages, silent calls and numbers not identified by the homeowner, and offer particular protection to those with dementia.

Local authorities and care providers are expected to apply on behalf of victims. Individual applications from victims or family members will also be available.

Lord Toby Harris, of National Trading Standards, says: ‘It’s really important that the Government is extending this programme to help even more victims.’