Vulnerable Aunt and calls from 'banks'

scrub

My aunt had a call from someone saying they were from her bank. She said she was deaf so could they write but they said no. Fortunately, she put the phone down.

However, I'm concerned that she is exactly the type that would hand over details if she was asked.

Is there anything we can do to protect her? I'm concerned the TPS isn't enough.

scotsbob

Asking them to write was a good move and so was hanging up. She doesn't sound the type to be easily conned. You could get her to use the setting that rejects number witheld calls.

blossomhill_2

Very worrying - we always ask any supposed competition wins to write to us instead, and dont give our address - if it is legitimate they would have it already
At least tell her that legitimate banks would only ask for two of her 4 numbers from her PIN, but not to tell any of them over the phone
Rejecting withheld numbers has its drawbacks, as I have found when ringing from a hospital

Savvy_Sue

scrub wrote: »

My aunt had a call from someone saying they were from her bank. She said she was deaf so could they write but they said no. Fortunately, she put the phone down.

You could put a 'script' or list of warnings by the phone for her if she's sufficiently together to look at it during a call - and she sounds fairly together to me! She could remind such callers that they have a duty to provide information in writing if that's what she asks for, and throw in a reference to the DDA.

sleepless_saver

Have a look at the ideas on this thread about dealing with cold callers to vulnerable older people.

paddyz

Hi

How about getting true call care box will this is the only way to fully stop all calls like that, costly but good bit of kit

See if she can use a answer phone then if she hears the person's voice she can just pick up.

Also good idea to register with silent call too

Caller ID as mentioned before

scrub

Thanks folks. I'll check these out. However, looks like a relative is going to get power of attorney to manage her affairs so hopefully that will avoid any issues.

hardpressed

scrub wrote: »

Thanks folks. I'll check these out. However, looks like a relative is going to get power of attorney to manage her affairs so hopefully that will avoid any issues.

But unfortunatly that won't stop these pishing phone calls, you must impress on her that she shouldn't give her bank details to anyone.