Star comment: Protecting the victims of conmen

Scammers posing as representatives from well known retailers, banks, members of royal families and so on, fill our inboxes with junk mail, telling us either our account will be suspended unless we confirm our identity by handing over private data or that we are in for a million pound windfall if we only send a small advance payment.

But it's not just email frauds who can make us vulnerable. The sale of our personal data is yet another threat – information used by scammers to target the vulnerable and elderly by encouraging them to divulge their financial details. And then, before they know it, victims find their life savings have been wiped out and they are left with nothing but a broken heart.

If we receive a letter that looks like it's from HMRC, it's easy to be tricked.

Age UK wants the elderly to be more vigilant than ever. Their warning, however, is one that all should heed. Those who are more savvy and less-trusting than elderly friends or relatives should take the initiative and encourage them to keep their financial details safe. They should never give their information to people if they are unsure, they should never hand over financial data via email or to face-to-face callers and if they are not convinced about the legitimacy of an inquiry they should simply say 'no' or call a head office to verify identity.

Crime has become increasingly sophisticated as gangs have moved on from such cons as resurfacing driveways for thousands of pounds and now go straight for bank accounts. The digital age has been welcomed as much by those with nefarious intent as it has by those looking for an online bargain or seeking help with their homework.

One way that people can keep themselves safe is by signing up for a register that ensures they do not receive cold calls from marketing agencies. For people who do not wish to be troubled or who might be vulnerable if they are, it's a sensible idea.

Vigilance will not stop all cases, however. There are those who fall into the traps laid by con artists and they must be encouraged to report crimes to the police. Officers should devote adequate resources to tackling fraud as they seek to protect the wider community by apprehending villains who target the elderly. We must do what we can to safeguard potential victims.