Increasing numbers of elderly people are getting into serious debt, according to West Yorkshire Trading Standards.
It is running a project across Bradford and Leeds to help older people protect themselves from scams and frauds. – but the scheme has found many older people are struggling to meet repayment demands on loans, credit cards and fuel bills.
The two year project, called SAFER (Scams and Frauds Education for Residents), began at the end of last year, paid for by Big Lottery Funding.
But in the two months since community workshops began across Bradford and Leeds, its debt advisor has helped people deal with a staggering £217,000 worth of debts.
The advisor has so far arranged for more than £16,000 of debts to be written off, so people facing financial difficulties could manage their budgets.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article