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Scam Bingo

Scam Bingo

Published on 05 April 2023 12:50 PM

Age UK Northumberland invites Over 50s in Northumberland to Scam Bingo Event

Age UK Northumberland is hosting a Scam Bingo event on Friday 24th March at Age UK Northumberland, The Round House in Ashington. This fun event has been designed to help over 50s protect themselves against fraud and scams, whilst enjoying a game of bingo or two, afternoon tea and a sociable and friendly afternoon.

The team at Age UK Northumberland is inviting local members of the community to come along and enjoy a different take on some traditional ‘bingo lingo’ to help people watch out for approaches from fraudsters, for example:

  • Knock at the door #4 Ignore suspicious requests for your personal and financial information
  • Unlucky for some #13 Don’t let criminals get lucky with your money
  • Up to tricks. #46 Criminals will use tactics to con you into making an ‘urgent’ payment

Players will also be offered straight-forward and impartial advice from Take Five to Stop Fraud which can help people protect themselves from financial fraud:

  • STOP: Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
  • CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
  • PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

Research conducted for UK Finance’s Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign shows that 87 per cent of over-65s say they are confident about spotting the signs of fraud, although only 20 per cent have heard of all the five most prevalent types of authorised push payment (APP) fraud. The survey showed that the average loss for a fraud victim in the UK is £1,381.

In response to this threat, Take Five has developed a free to play Scam Bingo game to help people learn about the most common types of fraud and scams.

Amy Whyte, Chief Executive for Age UK Northumberland said:

“We are looking forward to playing Scam Bingo with members of the local community. Helping people to identify scams and fraud, the different tricks criminals use, and the steps to take to stop criminals in their tracks by challenging all unexpected requests to share personal or financial information. We aim to empower our community to feel confident saying no or ignoring future attempts to commit fraud by criminals.”

Katy Worobec, Managing Director of Economic Crime at UK Finance, said:

“While our research shows over-65s say they are confident about spotting fraud and scams, it is crucial to understand the changing tactics criminals use to convince people they are legitimate. That is why we've created Scam Bingo to empower people to challenge all unexpected requests for their information – it’s a fun way to connect and learn how to protect ourselves from fraud and scams. It is important to remember the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign and to stop and think when faced with requests for payment or personal and financial information.”

If you are interested in attending Age UK Northumberland’s Scam Bingo event then please get in touch with either: Chris Balfour, Scams Awareness Officer, Mobile: 0797 707 1564, Email: chris.balfour@ageuk-northumberland.org.uk or Rob Foggett, Scams Awareness Officer, mobile: 07977 071468 email: robert.foggett@ageuk-northumberland.org.uk