OAPS Told To Be Wary Of Conmen Hitting The Area

Roisin McGroarty • Published 26 Nov 2009 12:00

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Bogus callers offering 'free' security systems to elderly

ELDERLY and infirm residents are being targeted by heartless conmen offering 'free' alarm and security systems.

Police are appealing to South Ayrshire residents to be aware of the increasing in the scam with involves aggressive cold callers.

The majority of victims are over 65 and many suffer dementia, meaning they can carry on a brief conversation before it becomes very clear they have dementia.

Detective Constable Alison Smith said: "From the complaints we have received, it appears salesmen are telephoning the person in a cold call and informing that they have won or been chosen to receive a free alarm in accordance with Home Office, Government or a police scheme. In some cases these callers have even quoted the names of local Strathclyde Police officers quoting crime figures which are not relevant to the area. This is clearly an attempt to gain the homeowners trust and also to raise their fear by exaggerating the crime in the area."

A date is then arranged for someone to visits their home, where the sales pitch beings. The person can then stay in the house from one to even five hours until they get a sale.

See this week's paper for the full story, on sale now.

This article appeared in Troon Times 24 Nov 09

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