FORMER crime journalist Peter Faulkner has set up an organisation that he hopes will safeguard elderly people in Essex – and drive out rogue tradesmen.
Who Can You Trust is a not-for-profit community interest company set up with the sole aim of alerting and advising people in the 50+ age group about the need to be on their guard against internet scammers, doorstep rogues, fake lotteries, ATM fraudsters, dating tricksters and cheque overpayment fraud.
WCYT will also be looking at cowboy tradesmen like loan sharks,. like gas engineers (don't forget Corgi no longer exists), like counterfeiters, bogus builders and doorstep crooks. Anyone who is out to rip off the elderly will come under scrutiny.
Everyday emails are being sent to millions of people across the world by unscrupulous teams of fraudsters who have one intention - to get their hands on your life savings.
They choose elderly people because they are seen to be more vulnerable and trusting, but those who become too trusting are often the one’s who suddenly find themselves paying out thousands because they have been promised millions. It never happens.
These confidence tricksters are clever and work in all different disguises on the internet. They might even knock at your door claiming to represent a bone fide company or organsation, but they are unscrupulous and have no morals. Once you engage them you have become a victim.
Who Can You Trust has uncovered many horrific stories of people who have been fleeced of thousands (one dear old lady gave away £50,000 and an old ma n was fleeced of £300,000) and despite warnings from the police, from Trading Standards and from Government agencies, people are still falling for these scams.
Peter and his team of volunteers are trying to raise money so they can go to markets, shopping halls and old people's clubs and give free talks on how people can avoid being ripped off and how they can spot who is a fraudsters and who is genuine.
They also want to make sure that if you want to hire the services of a professional tradesman, you will use those on the register of Essex Trading Standards because they have all been closely vetted by the council so you can use them knowing they are dependable and will not rip you off.
To find out more about the organization and to read stories of scams and frauds, go to www.whocanyoutrust.org.uk or ring Peter on 01268 566743.
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