250% increase in proportion of scam and nuisance calls A 250% increase in the proportion of nuisance and scam calls has been recorded as fraudsters exploit the coronavirus crisis. The findings were made following a call blocker programme funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). National Trading Standards led a programme to install more than 1,000 free call blocker units in people’s homes. The average age of people using the call blockers was 75 and around 23 scam and nuisance calls were typically prevented from reaching call blocker users every month. By comparison, the general population is thought to receive around seven scam or nuisance calls per month.
250% increase in proportion of scam and nuisance calls 04/02/2021, 12:03 am
A 250% increase in the proportion of nuisance and scam calls has been recorded as fraudsters exploit the coronavirus crisis (Posed by model/Yui Mok/PA)
A 250% increase in the proportion of nuisance and scam calls has been recorded as fraudsters exploit the coronavirus crisis.
The findings were made following a call blocker programme funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
National Trading Standards led a programme to install more than 1,000 free call blocker units in people’s homes.
The average age of people using the call blockers was 75 and around 23 scam and nuisance calls were typically prevented from reaching call blocker users every month.
Date Time
Jenrick calls for community togetherness to combat loneliness
The government has announced a £7.5 million funding package to help tackle loneliness over the winter period, supporting sectors that are well known for bringing people and communities together such as the arts, libraries, charities and radio.
With millions of people now under the new Tier 4 COVID-19 restrictions due to the spread of a new variant, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has thanked those who are continuing to spread festive cheer and tackling loneliness, while urging us all to look out for our neighbours.
Two schemes have been highlighted as going that extra mile:
23 December 2020
Support will target sectors that bring people and communities together including the arts, libraries, charities and radio
Grants will be administered via Arts Council England, the Government’s Loneliness Fund and two radio funds
Move follows £4 million Local Connections Fund that will deliver over a thousand small grants to local community projects across the country
The Government has announced a £7.5 million funding package to help tackle loneliness over the winter period.
Following the recent news about the Tier 4 measures and with more people finding themselves alone this Christmas, this funding package will help provide immediate and targeted relief to those most at risk.