How to stop unwanted telephone calls, doorsteppers or emails, especially if you are elderly and/or live alone.
- Once cold callers start their script, it can be hard to stop them, so get in quick. Ask 'What is the purpose of this call?' If it is a sales call, say 'no thank you'. If they continue, either repeat this until they get the message or just hang up - you are not speaking to a friend. Never give out personal information.
- Do not feel obliged to ask doorsteppers into your home. Ask them politely to leave, and make it clear that if they do not, you will call the police. You could also tell them you don't handle your own finances and that you will need to consult a relative.
- Ignore emails if they are from a company or person you do not recognise. Move the email to your spam folder and block the address; you can do this by right-clicking on the unopened email in your inbox and choosing 'block sender'. If you get an email from someone you know asking you for money or sending a link, contact them by phone first to check it is genuine. It could be a scam or a virus.
- If you are accosted by charity collecters in the street, keep walking - they must not follow you for more than three steps. If they do get you talking, say:'I'm sorry, I don't want to talk about money in the street. Could you give me a website?'
- Unwanted letters from a charity? Write to them and ask to be taken off their mailing list.
And avoid these scams
- Banks and the police never send a courier to your home saying your card has been compromised and you must give it to them, along with your pin.
- Scammers often call claiming to be from a bank or utility provider - so never hand out personal details. Say you will call back - then find the number yourself, don't return their call. Ideally call back from another line, or type of phone, as they may stay on the original line for several minutes, even when you have hung up, and can intercept your call.
- Wach out for any pop-ups on the internet (any new window that appears without you opening it) that claim your computer has been blocked or is in danger. They will ask you to call a phone line and then attempt to extract your bank details.
Good Housekeeping, April 2016
