TAVISTOCK Area Support Services has received many more enquiries about older people's concerns of 'scam mail' over the past few months.
The number of enquiries this week sparked a warning to residents by TASS general manager, Andy Lyle.
Mr Lyle said: 'Scammers can have a devastating impact on the lives of their older victims, and we know from the work carried out at our outreach centres that older people can feel embarrassed in reporting a scam.
'Anyone could potentially fall victim to a scam, and if something sounds too good to be to be true, it probably is.
'We would advise people to avoid disclosing their personal information, such as bank account or credit card details, unless it is to a trusted source.'
A national survey has shown that seven out of ten pensioners said they have been targeted by at least one scam every month.
The survey, found 72% of people aged 65 and over had at least one call or letter every month, which made them suspicious. Almost one in ten said they received an average of more than ten letters or phone calls every month.
The figure suggested 6.6-million older people were targeted by fraudsters every month.
One in ten said they received between four and six suspicious calls or letters each month, 7% said it was between seven and ten, and 9% said they were suspicious more than ten times.
Scams often suggest the victim has won a competition, which they have not entered, and asks for them to provide personal details or send money to claim their prize or you can claim a tax rebate.
For more advice on how to avoid falling victim to scams and stopping junk mail, contact Andy Lyle at The Anchorage Centre on 01822 616958 or go to the website at http://www.tasstavistock.org.uk">www.tasstavistock.org.uk