We’re raising awareness of Age Cymru’s Scams and Swindles campaign, which is aimed at helping older people who are particularly at risk, especially the isolated and those in failing physical or mental health, from fraudulent and scam mail, email, telephone calls and rogue traders.

These types of scams include misleading marketing letters, which suggest to older people that they have won a ‘fortune’. Many part with their money in order to obtain a prize, which never appears and are left out of pocket.

We’ve put together a list of our Top Tips to help those targeted by such practices:

• Sign up to the Mail Preference Service for free on 0845 070 0707 to have your name and home address in the UK removed from lists used by the direct mail industry.
• If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of the mailing – do not reply.
• Your bank will never ask for your bank details, if an email or letter is asking for them it’s not genuine.
• Just because something says it’s “official” doesn’t mean it is.
• Just because the email address of the sender includes a brand or company doesn’t mean it’s genuine.
• If you are concerned about an email or letter talk about it to someone such as friends, family or Citizens Advice. If the email or letter tells you not to talk to anyone: it’s a scam.
• Fill in our complaints form, if you are receiving unsolicited mail. The ASA can forward mailings from companies based outside the UK to their relevant Advertising Authority.

Bogus mailings prompt a number of complaints to the ASA every year. The ASA can and will take action against problem mailings by legitimate businesses, but often bogus mailings are issued by fly-by-night operators or individuals who are acting fraudulently and breaking the law. In September 2014, the Royal Mail and Trading Standards launched a joint initiative to tackle scam mail in the postal system by creating a new improved process for cancelling contracts that send fraudulent mail.

The ASA’s Top Tips, which can also be found on Age Cymru’s website, builds upon the work the organisation has done by offering practical advice on how to avoid fraudulent mail.

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• Mailings, email, phone/fax and messaging

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