Low Cost Interventions
7. Scam-Shield: Call-Blockers & Digital Fraud Literacy
Providing scam/spam protection devices, with support in set-ups, and short workshops to teach on usage. Cuts telephone-enabled fraud, and improves wellbeing for targeted residents - a major vulnerability vector.
Cost for 100x:
100x call-blocking devices: £4,000-£7,000
4x community digital-fraud workshops (room, trainer, refreshments): £1,200-£1,800
Printed 'do-not-engage' scripts, fridge cards, follow-up calls: £300-£700
Total: £5,500-£9,500
4-6 weeks: identify cohorts via Adults Social Care/NHW, install units, run session rounds
Device firmware auto-updates; optional check-ins every 6-12 months.
No AMC until device needs replacing
Effectiveness
National Trading Standards pilot showing 92-99% of scam calls are prevented 3 months after installation. 88% of people feel safer at home, and 83% no longer worried about losing money.
Another pilot (BT Digital Voice) showed 20.1 million scam/spam attempts stopped in the first 4 months, with 2.43 million scam calls blocked.