Call-blocking devices available to stop nuisance calls

HELP to reduce nuisance calls for vulnerable and elderly residents in Staffordshire is now available from an ongoing project.

Staffordshire County Council’s trading standards service is working with organisations supporting vulnerable adults to fit a free call blocking device to their home telephone.

A call blocking device is a small box fitted to a home telephone. Research shows that once installed, these devices can effectively block up to 95 per cent of nuisance and scam calls.

Vulnerable residents at risk of such calls can be referred to Trading Standards for a device by voluntary organisations, GPS and social care teams. Devices will be loaned out free of charge to those most vulnerable in Staffordshire but are also available to buy from the high street and online.

Victoria Wilson, cabinet member with responsibility for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council said: “Nuisance calls are a real pain for many older and vulnerable people but using a call blocker device can be a good way of cutting out most calls, which is why we have teamed up with Truecall.

“Having a device installed not only helps protect older people from being caught up in a scam but also gives their families peace of mind. The devices are fairly easy to set up and our officers can advise people on how to do it.

“Anyone with vulnerable elderly family members who receive these types of cold calls, should get in touch with our Trading Standards teams and consider getting one installed.”

People can find out more about the project at www.staffordshire. gov.uk/callblockers or make a referral by calling 01785 277855.