Tweeddale MP David Mundell is warning constituents to be extra vigilant following a police scam warning.
Police have warned Ofcom of a phone scam where fraudsters use courier firms to help defraud elderly and vulnerable victims of their life savings.
Over the past two years Courier Fraud has claimed 2,229 victims, most of whom were elderly. Police estimate that consumers have been defrauded out of millions of pounds, with one victim alone losing £155,000.
They are now asking friends and family of the elderly to make them aware of the scam, how it works and what to do if they’re targeted.
More detail on the scam can be found at http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/2013/03/police-warning-over-bank-card-ourier-scam/
Mr Mundell said: “Scammers are using the economic climate to prey on people who are struggling to find work or battling with money problems. Opportunistic con artists are targeting people who have fallen on hard times with offers of fake jobs, training and debt scams.
“It is important that people, especially the elderly, are made aware of these scams. It is always the most vulnerable people in our society who fall victims to these schemes and I would ask everyone to be vigilant and follow some of the simple steps Ofcom have suggested and remember that help is available. I would strongly encourage anyone affect to seek help either from my office or Citizens Advice.”
Ofcom have also published a consumer guide to scams with practical advice and contact details to report potential scams. It can be read at http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/files/2012/09/scams-logo.pdf