A predatory brand of internet scammer is exploiting older Scots, turning state support meant for heating, mobility and basic living into a lucrative cash cow. These rogue digital operators target pensioners across Scotland with slick online advertisements and unsolicited messages.
Promising to help navigate the notoriously complex welfare system, they offer to assist with applications for entitlements such as Attendance Allowance or Pension Credit. The catch? They demand a percentage of the pay-outs for a service that costs nothing at all if people go to the right assistance charities.
A despicable trade in human anxiety
The benefit system can feel daunting, designed with bureaucratic hurdles that make older applicants feel overwhelmed. These fraudsters prey on that fear, dressing up extortion as friendly support. The Record makes one message abundantly clear to its readers – you never need to pay for help accessing the benefits you are entitled to.
Free, expert and entirely independent assistance is readily available through Citizens Advice Scotland and Advice Direct Scotland. Their trained advisers provide impartial support to guide older people through the form-filling process – free of charge, ensuring that every penny of support goes where it belongs.
Friends and family as a line of defence
Friends, family, and neighbours also have a vital role to play as a line of defence. Keep an eye out for loved ones who seem anxious about paperwork or mention an “online company” helping them with pension top-ups. It is time to freeze out these digital parasites.
Shotts Prison under pressure
Scotland’s prison system is grossly overcrowded and stressed staff are being pushed to the limit. All jails are impacted and urgent measures are needed to relieve the pressure. But Shotts Prison seems to be in particular difficulty. When it comes to drugs, weapons, illegal mobile phones and other measures, this jail is at breaking point.
The Scottish Government has already taken steps to reduce prisoner numbers, letting low-risk prisoners out early. That is the right thing to do, as long as violent and sexual offenders aren’t part of that plan. But Shotts seems to be in need of special measures. There is little sympathy for the criminals who inhabit jails, but the hard-pressed staff who look after them need to be kept safe.
