Age Concern Kingston sends out bogus visitor warning (From Surrey Comet)

Age Concern Kingston sends out bogus visitor warning

10:41am Thursday 9th September 2010 in

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Sham charity workers are trying to fleece older people in Kingston by posing as volunteers to get inside their homes.

Age Concern Kingston said it was made aware of a number of instances where imposters posing as charity workers had knocked on older people’s doors and attempted to gain access.

Anne Bren, Age Concern Kingston’s business manager, said: “We would like to reassure all older people that Age Concern Kingston will never visit without making an appointment with a named member of staff or volunteer.

“Our staff and volunteers carry photo identity cards and, if in doubt, you can ring us on 020 8942 8256 to check that the person visiting is genuine.”

Also known as “distraction burglars”, bogus callers often target older people by gaining access into their homes to steal money and valuables.

Last month, Kingston Council urged elderly residents to also be wary of misleading “prize winning” letters from healthy and beauty products company Vital Beauty.

Letters have been going out to older Kingston residents who are told they have won lucrative cash prizes of up to £23,500, only to find they have actually been entered into a prize draw with a small chance of winning.