MP calls for tougher criminal sentences for con artists who target elderly
Scammers who target the elderly should face tougher criminal sentences, a Conservative MP has demanded.
Nusrat Ghani (Weldon) has called for a new criminal offence of elder-abuse to be created so fraudsters who prey on pensioners are recognised as committing an aggravated offence.
Speaking in the House of Commons on a backbench motion discussing scams on vulnerable people, she urged the Ministry of Justice to look at the issue.
Ms Ghani, who is chairwoman of the all party parliamentary group on older people and ageing, said: “I would also like to suggest that the scams targeting the elderly be re-categorised as an aggravated crime because they especially target a vulnerable person.
“This could form part of a new type of crime called elder abuse, and I would appeal to members of this House to consider supporting my campaign to change the law to recognise this new type of crime.
“We already treat child abuse as a separate crime, and while I obviously recognise the very real differences between physical child abuse and scams against the elderly, both are especially repugnant because they target those least able to defend and protect themselves.”
She said the Ministry of Justice should look at setting up elder abuse prosecution units like those operating in some parts of America.
The MP said elderly people had “profound” concerns about being targeted by scammers and that pensioners have been cheated out of thousands of pounds by fraudsters.
Ms Ghani said: “Scams targeted at elderly people purposely target vulnerable people.
“The perpetrators see people who are more trusting and less inquisitive, they may be less mobile and easily cornered, perhaps they are lonely and isolated and therefore welcoming of contact with other people – whether strangers or not.
“They may just be keener to make sure someone leaves them alone and therefore more wiling to pay a price just to get rid of them, just because it’s easier.”
She added: “The scammers formulate a scheme designed to prey on these characteristics, particularly the vulnerability and isolation of older people.”
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “Any abuse of older people is unacceptable and deserves a zero-tolerance approach, regardless of the form it takes.
“Whatever the circumstances, we worry that many instances of abuse and neglect of older people go unreported so we urge anyone who suspects that an older person is at risk to contact their social services department or the police without delay.
“People can also call Age UK’s advice line on 0800 1696565 if they have concerns.”
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