29/06/04 - Cumbria's protocol to protect the elderly prompts national action

A Cumbria initiative to make it more difficult for bogus callers to take cash from elderly victims has been the catalyst for action at a national level.   

Bogus callers invariably target the elderly in society and want cash payment for poorly completed overpriced work. Their modus operandi includes driving the pensioner to his/her bank/building society to get the money.   

Last November Cumbria County Council's Trading Standards Department joined forces with the Cumberland, Furness and Penrith Building Societies to launch the protocol which put in place safeguards to protect elderly and vulnerable clients.   

And today Gerry Sutcliffe, Minister for Employment Relations, Competition and Consumers, launched a national initiative at the Trading Standard Institute's annual conference in Manchester. 

It has been agreed by the British Bankers' Association and the Building Societies Association and mirrors the pioneering work undertaken in Cumbria last year.   

Phil Ashcroft, Head of Trading Standards said: "In Cumbria there are dozens of instances per year of elderly people having to withdraw large sums of cash to pay doorstep conmen. We all have a duty to protect the elderly and vulnerable members of society. Early indications are that this protocol is having a positive effect and is proving an invaluable tool in the battle against doorstep conmen.   

"It is very encouraging that elderly and vulnerable people across the country are receiving greater protection because the initiatives we are undertaking in Cumbria are being recognised at a national level."