Think Jessica (stop scam mail to protect vulnerable people)
There are lots of easy ways to prevent junk mail (saves one tree per person per year!) But there is also another issue with scam mail, which is often targeted at vulnerable older people, sometimes with dementia (and life savings to be fleeced).
Think Jessica is a campaign (with free downloadable materials for relatives and local police forces) to help stop it being sent out, and for people to take action if it arrives on someone’s doorstep.
Jessica was the mother of the founder. With slight dementia, it was only when her mother went into hospital, that she realised what was going on, after collecting the post. They had her on a ‘suckers’ list, and she was getting masses of mail all the time, asking her for money.
After her death, the founder found 30,000 scam letters at her mother’s house, many from those pretending to be charities that she had wanted to help. Along with fake international lotteries and ‘clairvoyants’ threatening that there were evil spirits, and that she should buy talismans to protect her.
Typical scams targeted at vulnerable people
- Lotteries and prize win draws – know that international lotteries are illegal anyway. And if you didn’t enter, you haven’t won. Usually these are ‘cheques’ sent to people, offering to release the prize, once a fee is paid.
- Clairvoyant scams – these are when people say recipients should buy talismans to protect them from evil spirits.
- People pretending to be from banks or building societies, and asking for banking details.
- Parcel delivery scams, again asking for a fee to release.
Registering with mail preference services does not stop these scams, as that only stops registered companies. So it’s really important to protect vulnerable people (especially those living alone or with dementia) in your community.
Take Five asks everyone to just take five seconds or minutes before responding to any request. Remember that anyone genuine won’t try to rush or panic you.
You can report any concerns to Report Fraud (police) or call 0300 123 2040. You can also report any crime (including wildlife crime) anonymously at Crimestoppers. You can report any concerns on elder abuse to Hourglass.
