7 May 2014

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

POLICE have launched Operation Signature to tackle mail fraudsters after finding more than 400 elderly people across Sussex have been scammed out of £2million.

Most were over 80 and many did not realise they had fallen victim to fraud.

Criminals worldwide, who send millions of scam letters into the UK targeting vulnerable members of our communities, netted an estimated £3.5 billion pounds last year.

Until now very little has been done done to identify and support  victims – which is why West Sussex Police have launched Operation Signature.

For many vulnerable people, the bombardment of scam mail results in fear, severe financial difficulties and ultimately a decline in both physical and mental health.

And chronic victims of scam mail can find themselves hounded by numerous criminal organisations. After replying to the first ‘tempter’ letter, victim’s names and addresses are put on target lists which may then be sold on to other criminal organisations.

Scam mail victims are

• almost always elderly, often over the age of 80
• often lonely, socially isolated and recently bereaved
• in receipt of unusually high quantities of mail
• secretive about their mail and finances
• living in clutter
• hiding mail around the house
• denying there is a problem with scams despite evidence to the contrary
• in possession of cheap looking goods, products including, health products & toiletries,   trinkets, charms and foodstuffs.
• reluctant to involve family members in their situation
• getting through cheque books unusually quickly
• regularly visiting the post office and / or keeping lots of stamps

If you recognise these signs and have concerns about anyone you know, please contact Sussex Police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk