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15/06/2012
Elderly Warned About Financial Scams
Amid warnings for older people to be on their guard it has been revealed that 78 rogue companies that mainly targeted the elderly and "scammed" more than £28m have been shut down in the past three years
The warning was issued by the Insolvency Service, which said thousands of people, some in their 80s and 90s, had been targetted by companies selling everything from non-existent plots of land and worthless shares to mobility scooters, "heritage" coins, burglar alarms and stairlifts.
Some victims have lost five- or even six-figure sums. A man in his 70s lost £100,000 to a company specialising in coins as an investment that was found to have sold coins it didn't own, and also sold the same item to more than one customer.
Robert Burns, head of investigation and enforcement for the Insolvency Service, which has joined forces with charities Age UK and Action on Elder Abuse to draw attention to these scams, said: "The worst aspect is the callousness with which the fraudsters go about their business, ignoring the obvious fact that because of their age, most victims will never be able to make good their loss."
(H)
The warning was issued by the Insolvency Service, which said thousands of people, some in their 80s and 90s, had been targetted by companies selling everything from non-existent plots of land and worthless shares to mobility scooters, "heritage" coins, burglar alarms and stairlifts.
Some victims have lost five- or even six-figure sums. A man in his 70s lost £100,000 to a company specialising in coins as an investment that was found to have sold coins it didn't own, and also sold the same item to more than one customer.
Robert Burns, head of investigation and enforcement for the Insolvency Service, which has joined forces with charities Age UK and Action on Elder Abuse to draw attention to these scams, said: "The worst aspect is the callousness with which the fraudsters go about their business, ignoring the obvious fact that because of their age, most victims will never be able to make good their loss."
(H)
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Queen distributes Maundy money
The Queen is distributing Maundy money to 160 pensioners at the Royal Maundy Service at Guildford Cathedral today. The Queen, who celebrates her 80th birthday next week, will distribute the Maundy coins to 80 men and 80 women, specially selected for their contribution to the Church and the local community.
Queen distributes Maundy money
The Queen is distributing Maundy money to 160 pensioners at the Royal Maundy Service at Guildford Cathedral today. The Queen, who celebrates her 80th birthday next week, will distribute the Maundy coins to 80 men and 80 women, specially selected for their contribution to the Church and the local community.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
