POLICE are warning retired homeowners to be aware of unexpected phone calls from sales people who are using scare tactics to claim the Government can take their home.
The warning was made by Evesham Safer Neighbourhood Team after Warwickshire Trading Standards issued the scam alert.
Scammers have been calling elderly homeowners giving the impression they are legally trained solicitors and that their services are free of charge.
However, they have no legal training and are simply attempting to get homeowners to pay out potentially thousands of pounds to create trusts with a view to protect a home or assets from being sold to pay for care fees.
Police have issued advice to retired homeowners in the wake of the cold caller’s tactics, including:
- If you require legal advice, ensure you speak to an expert, for example a solicitor.
- Councils may view attempts to avoid residential care home fees in this way as deliberate deprivation of assets.
- Never buy goods or services from cold callers.
