Pharmacy partnership to protect elderly from fraud

We have partnered with a number of local pharmacies to raise awareness of how elderly and vulnerable people can help protect themselves from fraud.

The initiative, launched by our Lichfield local policing team (LPT), has so far seen four pharmacies sign-up to distribute more than 1,000 leaflets in prescription deliveries every three months.

The leaflet included in the prescriptions includes bespoke information tailored to elderly and vulnerable residents to help raise awareness of fraud and the ways people can protect themselves from falling victim to scammers.

The pharmacies that are distributing the leaflets within their prescription deliveries include: Touchwood Pharmacy at the Three Spires Centre, Touchwood Pharmacy at Boley Park, Whittington Pharmacy on Main Street and Prescription Care Services on Tamworth Road.

Sergeant V.Vo, who has led the initiative, said: “While we know that social media and online advice and support has its place, we know that many vulnerable people who are often at risk of falling victim to this type of crime don’t always have access to the internet.

“That’s why we’ve launched the project – to reach people who may not otherwise engage with our support services and get them to think about their safety at the same time as their health, through these bespoke leaflets in their prescription bags.

“So far, four pharmacies have signed up, with more than 1,000 leaflets distributed within prescription deliveries, to be repeated every three months as needed.”

Jas Riat, superintendent pharmacist and business owner of Prescription Care Services, said: “It’s really positive that Staffordshire Police is being proactive in reaching out to vulnerable people, through this partnership scheme, to remind them to stop and think before sharing any personal or financial information.”

To find out more about how to prevent fraud and protect yourself and loved ones from scammers, visit: Report fraud, bribery or corruption | Staffordshire Police.