A COMMUNITY project to help older people avoid getting ripped off has been launched.

Beat the Scammers is designed to give people the confidence and skills they need to hang up on nuisance telephone calls.

It is led by Age UK County Durham with funding by East Durham Rural Corridor Area Action Partnership and County Durham Community Foundation.

A dedicated development worker will come out and give a 45 minute talk to community groups, which explains how new call blocker technology can help.

Everyone receives a free Beat the Scammers information pack with a useful Avoiding Scams booklet.

Some people will be eligible for a free call blocker, which prevents unwanted telephone calls.

These have been funded by East Durham Rural Corridor AAP and are fitted free of charge by Age UK County Durham.

The charity’s chief executive, Harriet Gibbon, said: “Telephone enabled crime is a very serious problem and causes stress and trauma for older people.

“We are delighted that the East Durham Rural Corridor AAP and County Durham Community Foundation have funded Beat the Scammers to work in the area.

“We look forward to helping many older people protect themselves from fraudsters.”

The project is supported by County Durham and Darlington Police Fraud Specialist Investigations Team and Durham County Council Trading Standards.

Call George Barber on 0191-374-6568 to find out more, or email:

bts@ageukcountydurham.org.uk