Scam prevention and safety advice

There is several ways that unwanted contact and nuisance contact may cause stress and affect people's lives. There are steps you can take to identify scams, reduce unwanted contact and protect your personal information.

Unwanted mail

There are several ways to stop unwanted mail:

• write to the sender - this is for mail addressed to 'The Occupier' or personally addressed from companies you already deal with where you can write, or email, or call them to advise you no longer wish to receive material from them
• register with the Mailing Preference Service - this will reduce the amount of personally addressed direct mail you receive (each member of a household will need to register separately)
• register with Your Choice and opt out of the Royal Mail's Door to Door service - this does not cover directly addressed mail, with the website providing further information of exceptions of when they will still deliver unaddressed mail (also available to contact via telephone 02072913310)
• Opt out of the edited version of the electoral register - find more information on how to do this via the GOV.UK website or on the Ayrshire Valuation Joint Board (AVJB) website
• switch to online services - most companies will now offer paperless billing and statements, contact the service provider for details

Unwanted nuisance calls and scams

Nuisance phone calls pose a significant problem for older and vulnerable people. Nuisance calls can:

• cause undue stress
• leave you afraid to pick up your phone

Unwanted calls can result in vulnerable people making ill-advised decisions about their:

• home
• life
• finances

Examples could include:

• changing their utility provider
• purchasing an unnecessary product
• entering a bogus prize draw

Rushing to answer your phone could lead to a slip or trip, causing you and your family further undue stress.

You can register your landline or mobile phone with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) which is an official 'Do not call' register. It allows you to opt out of receiving unsolicited sales and marketing calls.

You can also contact your landline or mobile phone provider for additional call-blocking services.

Doorstep calling advice

Do not deal with cold callers at your door. Genuine traders will not pressure you to agree to work immediately. Trading Standards can provide 'No cold calling' door stickers on request or you can complete a form online.

Call blocking services

Trading Standards in North Ayrshire has a limited number of funded call-blocking devices.

Devices are fully funded and professionally fitted by trained Trading Standards staff.

Priority is given where residents experience frequent or distressing nuisance or scam calls. Contact the team or complete an online form.

Useful contacts

• Trading Standards Scotland
• Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards Scotland (SCOTSS)
• Consumer Advice Scotland - 0808 164 6000
• Ask Silver Scam Checker
• dial 159 - a secure way to contact your bank safely and securely
• Police Scotland - dial 101 for non-emergencies, 999 for emergencies