Dementia sufferers will be protected from cold-callers with a new gadget that blocks unidentified numbers
The TrueCall device blocks any recorded messages and numbers not pre-identified by family members
DEMENTIA sufferers will be protected from scam callers with a new gadget installed on phones.
The TrueCall devices block all recorded messages, silent calls and calls not pre-identified by the sufferers’ family.
The devices can either ask callers to enter a pin code which — or direct them to a friend or relative.
The Government is pumping an initial £300,000 into the initiative — to protect 1,500 people.
PM Theresa May said last night: “We want to create a fairer society by cracking down on unscrupulous practices which target the most vulnerable.
“We have seen people tricked out of thousands of pounds by scam callers and this government is determined to clamp down on their activities once and for all.”
It comes two years after George Osborne set aside £3.5million to trial call-blocking technology to protect people too scared to pick up their phone.
Poppy seller Olive Cooke, 92, killed herself in 2015 after receiving thousands of phone calls and letters from charities asking for money.
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The Information Commissioner's Office fined 11 charities such as Cancer Research for misusing personal data in a fresh cold calling scandal.
The Alzheimer's Society believes 15 per cent of all dementia sufferers have been the victims of financial abuse- such as cold calling or mis-selling at some time.
Richard Lloyd, head of the Government’s nuisance call taskforce, said: “This is a good first step. It’s exactly the kind of extra protection vulnerable people need.
“The Government should offer this help to many more elderly people who are at home all day and at risk of harassment or scams.”
A Downing Street spokesman said the initial 1,500 people able to receive the kit would be identified by doctors, Trading Standards teams and councils.
The devices can either ask callers to enter a pin code — or direct them to a friend or relative.
A similar scheme run by National Trading Standards last year resulted in 93 per cent of participants feeling safer.
The Government is due to enact plans to fine firms and bosses up to £1million if they breach communication laws.