TIM DREW: Call blockers to help protect the vulnerable

Telephone contact has always been an essential tool in the hands of fraudsters so, as part of Operation Signature, Sussex Police has purchased 100 call blockers to help protect those most vulnerable to telephone scams.
Tim DrewTim Drew
Tim Drew

The trueCall device works by automatically ensuring that only trusted callers already known to the user can get through.

Unrecognised callers are asked for their identity before being connected, meaning that unknown or “cold” callers can be rejected. Sussex Police may be able to help where the device cannot be afforded, and can be contacted via your local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

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Meanwhile, with the summer holiday season getting under way, Sussex Police has reported an increasing number of holiday-linked frauds.

Some £11.5million was lost to swindlers last year, the most common type being airline ticket fraud, and some Sussex residents have been contacted from overseas in respect of timeshare scams.

The majority of those being defrauded pay by bank transfer of cash, and are therefore unlikely to recover any of their money.

It is therefore important that you book with a member of a registered trade body such as ABTA.

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Incidentally, the police also warn against sharing pictures of your latest trip, location and the dates during which you will be away from home on social media.

Not only are you increasing the risk of your being burgled, but also running the risk of invalidating your insurance policy.

This is because most insurance policies state that you must take ‘reasonable care’ in securing your home and its possessions, and that includes being discreet about any holidays.

• The Heene Neighbourhood Panel will meet between 7pm and 8pm at the Heene Community Centre, Heene Road, on Tuesday (May 24).

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• The Central Ward Neighbourhood Panel will meet at the Ardington Hotel, in Steyne Gardens, between 6.30pm and 7.30pm on Thursday (May 26).

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