Call blocking technology helps protect East Renfrewshire residents from scams
Residents who are at high risk of becoming victims of telephone scams are being protected by the council thanks to call blockers which stop 99% of suspect calls.
Published: 27 May 2021
Research found that on average older, high risk residents receive 30 nuisance and scam calls per month, which is higher than the national household average, with 36% of all calls received nuisance or scam.
Since 2012, the Council's Trading Standards team has installed 943 trueCall call blockers to protect older and vulnerable residents. The blockers are part of a 'Confidence at Home' package designed to keep residents safe from predatory fraudsters.
A total of 874,067 nuisance and scam phone calls have been blocked to date, with an estimated 994 scams prevented. This is expected to have saved vulnerable households approximately £3,602,652.
Councillor Alan Lafferty, Convener for Environment, said: 'I'm delighted that our Trading Standards team continues to lead the way in helping to protect our residents from scams. Call blocking technology is especially beneficial to our older and most vulnerable residents who may be receiving high numbers of unwanted nuisance calls, or have been a victim of a scam, so it's great that these intelligent devices have been able to block so many calls since they have been introduced in East Renfrewshire. Call blockers are provided free of charge on an indefinite loan and can help many people continue to live independently at home, whilst easing family members and friends' concerns.'
Call blocking technology can offer a number of benefits and savings to families. Residents facing challenging situations and disorders such as dementia are more able to cope with independent living, there is a reduced risk of financial harm from scammers, a decrease in anxiety and stress as the user can answer the phone with confidence and an overall improved quality of life for the most challenged residents.
If you or a family member are receiving high numbers of nuisance calls, visit our call blockers webpage, phone 0141 577 8487 or email tradingstandards@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk to apply for a free call blocker and discuss the range of bespoke support available.
The team will follow all current Covid-19 restrictions and guidance to ensure the installation is carried out safely.
Read our financial harm toolkit for advice on how to stay safe and avoid scams. It has a number of simple steps individuals can take to protect themselves, family members, clients or neighbours from fraud.
