Victim of fraud? Then please help others who may be at risk

By Jayne Warren - 16/03/2009

The combination of accelerating technology and a deepening recession has led to a huge rise in fraud - especially identify and investment fraud and mass marketing scams. Sadly, those most at risk are the elderly, which is why the National Fraud Strategic Authority is asking Mature Times readers who have been affected by fraud to speak out and help protect others who may be at risk.

 

The National Fraud Strategic Authority, a UK government agency, is  conducting research on people over 60 years of age who have been either victims or targets of fraud. They want to hear from those who actually fell victim to fraudsters, and from those who were targeted but were able to avoid a negative outcome.

 

Business Researcher Rose Goldman said: "We are looking to contact  around 35 people who are willing to be interviewed about what sort of  information was available about fraud in order to protect themselves. 

 

Our overall aim is to highlight any weaknesses in the current available material and provide suggestions for improvement, with the intention of allowing the best level of information to be available in the future.

 

"We are specifically looking for people who have been targets or victims of identity theft, mass marketing scams and frauds (including telephone and internet scams which attempt to gain advance fees for prize money etc) and investment frauds (victims who are lured into making investments based on false information).

 

"For obvious reasons, identities will kept confidential, and all interviewees will be treated with the utmost sensitivity as we fully understand that being the victim of fraud can be a stressful experience."

 

Anyone willing to take part, or anyone who would like more information on taking part, should contact Rose Goldman on 0207 940 1952 or email rose.goldman@control-risks.com.