Ringing the changes - OIC helps to block scam callers

The Council is reminding folk that call blockers are available on free loan to anyone experiencing nuisance or scam calls. 

Since 2014, the OIC Trading Standards team have fitted almost 100 call blockers in Orkney - preventing 136,273 nuisance calls and an estimated 221 scams. 

In turn, this means an estimated financial benefit of around £1.5M in preventing scams. 

Trading Standards Officer, Alison Campbell, said: “Scams and nuisance calls often lead to people losing out financially but there’s the additional cost of anxiety and stress that this inevitably leads to. 

“Don’t worry if you have a care alarm, the call blocker works alongside this, and it is recommended that users have caller ID set up on their line. But the blockers are not just for older folk, they can be requested by anyone experiencing concerns over nuisance or scam calls. 

“They can if required be fitted free of charge, or the householder can have the call blocker supplied with instructions to fit themselves or with the help of family or friends.” 

Donnie MacKinnon, 84, from Stromness explained that a chance conversation led to a simple and free solution thanks to the Trading Standards team. 

“I was getting endless phone calls from abroad – they were such a nuisance and I got entirely fed up of them. I happened to be talking to Alison Campbell one day and she said they could provide a call blocker. They came and fitted it and I’ve had no trouble since. 

“The call blocker has made a big difference, and I would recommend to anyone receiving nuisance or scam calls to consider having one fitted.” 

For further information, please contact Orkney Islands Council Trading Standards on 01856 873535 or email trading.standards@orkney.gov.uk.