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Christmas westender magazine for glasgow's west end
Christmas westender magazine for glasgow's west end
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54 | Westender www.westendermagazine.com<br />
Magazine Promotion<br />
Legal Matters<br />
Words from Donald Reid, chairman at Mitchells Roberton:<br />
No one ever means themselves when they say ‘there is one born every<br />
minute’. We all believe we would not fall for a scam but research suggests<br />
that intelligence and ability is no inoculation against becoming a victim of<br />
a confidence trick. For the vulnerable in our society, the risks are greater<br />
still. To find out more, read on, or contact us at the below address for a<br />
free information leaflet (please enclose a cheque for £1,000 to cover<br />
postage and packaging...).<br />
Nigerian princes, Spanish prisoners,<br />
and the lottery of love<br />
Private Eye’s medical columnist recently<br />
wrote: ‘Many older people resent<br />
being called vulnerable, but to scammers<br />
they can be easy prey. While car theft and<br />
house burglary have become harder due<br />
to improved technology, there has been a<br />
massive growth in relieving older people<br />
of their money’ through financial fraud and<br />
scams.<br />
Looking at the redirected post into this<br />
office from our older clients or recently<br />
executries, clearly some found themselves on<br />
‘Suckers Lists’; receiving endless mailshots<br />
from the unscrupulous selling dubious<br />
products, lottery scams, and odd spiritual<br />
services. Upsetting research from Professor<br />
Keith Brown of Bournemouth University<br />
found cases where older people actually<br />
accepted unsolicited sales calls, or knowingly<br />
purchased unnecessary items by post, due to<br />
loneliness. One man reported ‘the 10 or more<br />
items he received every day by special postal<br />
delivery were the highlight of his day’.<br />
In cyberspace, many are trying to<br />
separate you and your money, from the nowfamous<br />
Nigerian princes (other nationalities<br />
are available) wanting to share $35million<br />
with you if you could only fund the transfer<br />
fees, to Facebook lotharios ready to snuggle<br />
provided you pay their airfare.<br />
There are legal remedies for most financial<br />
frauds, providing you can locate the fraudster<br />
(which is often impossible). For unsolicited<br />
goods or sharp business practices, some<br />
recourse can be obtained, such as through<br />
distance selling regulations and Unfair<br />
Contract terms legislation. If you suspect<br />
something awry, deal with it as soon as you<br />
can (whether speaking to Trading Standards<br />
or the Police, or your solicitor).<br />
All of these are all significantly less useful<br />
than avoiding being a victim in the first place.<br />
First, educate yourself on the likely scams<br />
and warning signs. Second, look out for<br />
the elderly and vulnerable whom you know.<br />
Perhaps they need help dealing with their<br />
financial affairs or should grant someone a<br />
Power of Attorney. Third, and most cynical, if<br />
you are suspicious about<br />
how someone is handling<br />
the affairs of a vulnerable<br />
person, take legal advice<br />
or contact the Office of the<br />
Public Guardian.<br />
If Joel can help please<br />
email him at<br />
jmc@mitchells-roberton.co.uk,<br />
or call 0141 552 3422.<br />
Mitchells Roberton Solicitors<br />
& Estate Agents<br />
George House<br />
36 North Hanover Street G1 2AD<br />
0141 552 3422<br />
www.mitchells-roberton.co.uk
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