North Lanarkshire Residents benefit from new Trading Standards scam protection initiative
Residents in North Lanarkshire are now feeling more secure thanks to a Trading Standards initiative aimed at safeguarding against doorstep crime and scams. Telephone call blockers have been installed to prevent scam and nuisance calls, significantly improving residents’ sense of safety. These call blocking units utilise advanced technology to identify and block unwanted calls, including those from known scam numbers and automated call systems.
The initiative, supported by the Local Development Programme, has seen the successful installation of 158 call blocking devices over the past decade, with 43 units fitted in 2024 alone. This initiative has been met with overwhelming approval from participants, with many expressing how the blockers have empowered them by giving back control of their landline and alleviating concerns about scammers.
Collaborating with sheltered housing complexes and local organisations, Trading Standards staff are making a tangible difference in protecting vulnerable residents. The feedback from residents highlights the substantial impact of the call blockers in reducing stress and anxiety, providing peace of mind, and enhancing their overall feeling of security. In one instance, a vulnerable elderly resident had 47 scam calls blocked within just three days.
Research reveals that residents in North Lanarkshire receive an average of 29 nuisance calls per month, compared to the UK average of nine. As part of broader efforts to combat scams and doorstep crime, Trading Standards has implemented various strategies, including establishing No Cold Calling Zones, providing video doorbells, increasing patrols in crime hotspots, and running awareness campaigns across supermarkets, post offices, and town centres.
Councillor Geraldine Woods, convener of the communities committee, expressed satisfaction with the initiative’s success in enhancing the lives of vulnerable residents. With plans to expand the project further in the coming months, the council remains dedicated to protecting the community from fraudulent activities and providing support to those in need.
In summary, the Trading Standards initiative in North Lanarkshire has significantly improved residents’ sense of security by deploying call blocking technology and implementing various measures to combat scams and doorstep crime. By working closely with local organisations, Trading Standards continues to make a positive impact in safeguarding vulnerable residents and empowering the community against fraudulent activities.