A new release of national funding has enabled Shetland Islands Council’s Trading Standards to obtain free call blockers for people impacted by scam and nuisance calls on their landline phone.
These call blocker units block over 90% of scam and nuisance calls at source so the phone won’t even ring, giving folk time back in their day and preventing the anxiety and worry associated with these calls coming through. The unit plugs into an existing phone line and can work alongside broadband and/or lifeline/pendant devices that are already installed.
David Marsh, Team Leader – Trading Standards, says: “We have installed 15 call blockers for people in Shetland in the last twelve months, which work quietly and almost unnoticed in the background to protect folk from scammers. We’re keen to hear from anyone who may benefit from these call blockers, if they, or someone they know, such as a family member, friend or neighbour, is troubled by persistent scam or nuisance calls.
“Research carried out by Bournemouth University found that older people, those who feel vulnerable, and individuals who live alone are most likely to benefit from the installation of a call blocker. We have a limited supply of these call blockers so please get in touch soon, so we can get this valuable protection in place for you or someone close to you.”
To request a free call blocker from Trading Standards, email trading.standards@shetland.gov.uk or phone on 01595 744887.
Notes for editors
- The call blocking units available are trueCall Secure+ that filters unwanted scam and nuisance phone calls to prevent them from reaching a landline phone.
- The National Trading Standards Scams Team Call Blocker Project 2019-20 (PDF) concluded that “call blockers are an effective way to prevent scam and nuisance calls and help protect members of the public who receive scam calls. Most importantly, it is evident that installing a unit is an effective way to improve wellbeing and build consumer confidence.”
- Bournemouth University (National Centre of Post-Qualifying Social Work) conducted research (PDF) on wellbeing that concluded that “Older people, those who self-identify as vulnerable, and individuals who live alone are most likely to benefit from the installation of a call blocker….”