Charity calls for action on scams against older people

A Welsh charity is calling for government action to protect older people from scams and rogue traders.

The 'Scams and Swindles' campaign marks the beginning of Scams Awareness Month and urges the Welsh Government to increase the number of 'No Cold Calling Zones' in local authorities.

There are currently over 1,500 zones covering almost 40,000 residential households in Wales.

It also asks telephone companies and internet service providers to provide more protection against scam mail, calls and messages.

Gerry Keighley, from Age Cymru, said: "Older people who are targeted and caught up in scams lose an average £1,200 each, but they can lose much, much more - their life savings, their self-esteem, their dignity and even the will to live.

"Families can also be devastated by scams as some older people end up trusting the scammers more than they do their own relatives."