CARLA TALBOT
Pensioners are getting savvy to phone scams — but they are still being left intimidated and frightened by bogus callers attempting to fleece them out of cash on their own doorsteps.
As part of our Protect Our Pensioners campaign, we went along to speak with elderly residents at a group organised by Roar — Connections for Life about our bid to stamp out bogus callers.
While many told how they were aware of how to deal with scam phone calls and letters, a number of OAPs revealed that when it comes to bogus crime, they are most fearful of people coming to their door.
Whether it be cowboy builders talking vulnerable people into work that is not necessary, or cruel tricksters conning their way into their homes by posing as a utility worker, there are a number of methods that left residents feeling uneasy.
Speaking with a variety of men and women, many expressed that it was a real cause for concern.
Joan McInnes, 75, from Hawkhead, said: “I have had someone phone me and tell me there was a warrant out for my arrest. I just had to laugh, I knew it was nonsense.
“But some of them can be so clever. It’s so important not to give out any details over the phone.
“I remember being told before to remember that as no genuine company would ever ask for that information.
“You have got to have your wits about you as it can be easy to be taken advantage of.
“There will come a time when you could be targeted and it is quite frightening, especially when you think of these people coming to your door.
“It’s not as easy as the phone calls as you can just hang up.
“You need to be smart and think about what you say to these people to make them leave.”
David Caldwell, 88, from Paisley, added: “You need to think about how you would react if you are confronted with them.
“Sometimes there can be more than one person at the door and that is what is intimidating to people and that’s how people get talked into things.
“It happened to me before. Five people came to the door and said my roof needed fixed.
“I just told them my family were builders and we would sort it.
“These people know what they are doing.”
Betsy Chalmers, 78, from Kelburne, said: “It’s when people come to your door, that’s when it becomes intimidating.
“People need to remember to ask for ID and make sure you really look at it as these people will show you anything.
“These people have the gift of the gab and that’s how they get you.”
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If you or someone you know has been targeted by bogus callers, or if you wish to report any suspicious activity, please use the list of numbers below to get in touch.
To report any suspicious activity, contact police on 101.
In an emergency, call 999.
To report any scams call the Trading