Scam calls causing anxiety for senior citizens

SENIOR citizens are afraid to answer their phones because of scam calls.

A Mayo Joint Policing Committee (JPC) member has asked if there is any plan in place to identify the scammers as they are causing people a lot of anxiety.

Calling for resources so the gardaí can tackle the issue, Westport Councillor Christy Hyland said there is real fear out there among senior citizens who are afraid to answer their phones because of scam calls.

There needs to be more information given out about it, he suggested.

Superintendent Joe McKenna said he would encourage older people to have caller ID on their phones. If someone rings and you don't know them, hang up straight away.

And he urged people not to give out personal information such as PPS numbers or bank details.