Scum who prey on pride of our elderly

RIPPING off older people is the lowest of the low. What makes it worse is victims are often too afraid, confused or ashamed to speak out.

This week, I was contacted by 68-year-old Roy, who wanted my advice. I knew immediately that he had been scammed and I told him to take the matter to the police.

Roy, a very proud man, is deeply embarrassed by it all and does not want his family to know so is reluctant to report it.

But he was happy for me to share his story so other people would not fall for the same scam.

It all started off with a phone call from an organisation calling itself Premium Retirement Savings.

Safe

They asked Roy if he was retired and if he had savings. Roy said he was – and he had.

He was then informed that Premium Retirement Savings had been set up to provide people like him with a safe and effective savings account.

The man on the line told him that by using the account, he would enjoy an interest rate of 14.5 per cent, which in today’s climate, with the base rate being so low, is exceptional.

He was also told he would have an account manager who would be available to provide assistance with any queries at all times. Roy was interested and agreed to have a meeting at his home to discuss the account further.

After this meeting he was convinced it would be a wise move for his future – and signed two documents to open an account.

He was told if he deposited cash into the account, rather than transferring funds from another account, he would receive free banking for two years.

Roy did not give this a second thought. It was then agreed that the man would return to pick up the cash from Roy at his home in Nottingham.

The next day, he handed over his entire £4,921 savings.

He was told he would receive a statement and receipt within two days. Eight weeks later he has not had a single word.

This is a lesson to us all – we must do more to protect our older loved ones from these types of cruel scams.

And never be embarrassed if you fall victim to one. You will not be alone and they must be stopped.