VULNERABLE residents across North Ayrshire are being offered call blocking machines to ensure they can’t be targeted by callous con men.

The move is the latest part of North Ayrshire Council’s Trading Standards team’s threepronged campaign to help some of the area’s most vulnerable residents.

Last month, they urged locals to sign up to their cold-caller sticker initiative which is used to deter cold-callers from knocking on doors. And now they are working with a number of local organisations to keep vital telephone lines open.

Many vulnerable consumers are unable to answer their phones, due to the sheer volume of unwanted calls they are receiving. And now they are simply not answering any phone calls. For friends and relatives, who are trying to stay in contact, this is very concerning.

Now Trading Standards have revealed they have a number of call blocking machines to put into the most acute of cases, where people with dementia have been duped into spending big money on items they do not need - because they could not get a pushy salesperson off the phone. This work is being done in conjunction with local organisations that are in contact with the most vulnerable.

Councillor Alex Gallagher, Cabinet Member for Economy, said: “This is a great initiative and we’re proud to be helping some of the area’s most vulnerable people.

“There are people out there who systematically target those they know they can manipulate and take advantage of.

“Hopefully, the call blocking machines will make them feel secure in their home and allow them to live normally and speak to their friends and family and not be afraid or concerned every time the phone rings.”

While the team can’t provide everyone with one of these lifeline call-blocking machines, Trading Standards are urging others to sign up where their telephone provider provides a free service, or to purchase a Call Blocking phone for themselves or a loved one.

The third stage of the campaign will be to work with the Post Office to try and limit the amount of junk mail that some of our most vulnerable residents receive.