CHARITY bosses are urging older people and their families to protect themselves from phone scams.

Age Scotland is supporting a campaign to raise awareness of nuisance calls, led by consumer organisation Which? and Trading Standards Scotland.

Research by Age UK suggests that phone scams such as ‘vishing’ affect more than one in 10 people in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire who are aged 65 or over.

A total of 12 per cent of people targeted have responded to a scam, rising to 16 per cent in the 75-plus age group.

Of these, 13 per cent lost more than £1,000, with six per cent losing £5,000 or more.

The most common scams include fraudsters claiming to represent pension companies, banks or energy companies or offering PPI claims.

Callers to the Age Scotland helpline have reported being told they owe hundreds of pounds in taxes or talked into giving their bank details over the phone.

Almost two-thirds of people targeted did not report the scam, with 22 per cent saying they were too embarrassed to even tell their family or friends.

Keith Robson, chief executive of Age Scotland, said: “Unfortunately, nuisance calls and phone scams are becoming part of everyday life for older people.

“While people of any age can be targeted, older people are disproportionately affected as they are more likely to be at home during the day and rely on landlines.

“An increasing number live alone, which makes them much more likely to fall victim to scammers.

“These calls can have a devastating impact on people’s quality of life. We’ve heard of pensioners being scammed out of thousands of pounds.

“Unwanted calls can also lead to people feeling more isolated, as they’re afraid to pick up their phone.”

Age Scotland offers free advice for anyone who is worried about phone scams.

To order free copies of the Avoiding Scams, Staying Safe or Internet Security guides, call 0800 12 44 222 or visit www.agescotland.org.uk.