Older people in Hull and East Yorkshire warned about bogus callers working in pairs
Age UK says scams are getting harder to spot, with fake Facebook adverts also a concern
Older people in Hull and East Yorkshire are being warned to be on their guard against bogus callers at the door and scams online.
Simon Himsworth, from Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire, said scams of all kinds are becoming more sophisticated and harder to identify.
He said people of all ages need to be more switched on to what could be a scam, and how to protect themselves in person, on the doorstep and digitally.
He also pointed to romance and relationship scams, which he linked to social isolation among older people, particularly during the dark winter months.
Doorstep callers
Mr Himsworth said doorstep scams have been a particular concern after the storms and adverse weather.
He described unwanted callers who can appear very polite, perhaps wearing a shirt and tie and showing an ID badge at the front door.
He warned there is a risk they work in pairs.
While one person holds a polite conversation at the front door, the other could be round the back, at the patio doors or back door, looking through a sideboard or elsewhere in the home.
Mr Himsworth said anyone with any suspicion should use the door chain, and if possible talk through the glass without opening the door at all.
He said: "You have every right to validate somebody that is unwanted, unexpected, turning up at your house, but do it quickly and don't necessarily feel the need to be overly polite and engaging with them."
Fake adverts on Facebook
Mr Himsworth also urged people to be wary of adverts on Facebook, including fake ones using the image of consumer champion Martin Lewis.
He said Mr Lewis goes to great pains to say his image is not there to endorse products, services, investments or pension transfers.
Mr Himsworth said people should use the official Martin Lewis website instead, and be highly suspicious of Facebook adverts.
He said the rise of artificial intelligence makes this more important, and that anything that looks too good to be true or pushes a special offer should be avoided.
Where to get help
Mr Himsworth said anyone in doubt can contact Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire, as well as other organisations such as Citizens Advice.
If it is urgent and you suspect a fraudulent transaction, he said to call the number on the back of your bank card.
He said anyone with a caller who won't go away should phone 999.
If the caller has been and gone and you are having second thoughts, he said to call the non-emergency number 101.
Mr Himsworth said people should not feel like an inconvenience, or embarrassed or ashamed, if they have been the victim of a scam.
He urged anyone affected to speak up and seek advice and support.
You can get help from the goverment's website