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<p>Fraudulent calls can be particularly stressful and damaging for the most vulnerable
in society. Nuisance calls and cold calling can be a gateway to scams, with opportunistic
criminals targeting potential victims.</p><p>The Government has taken a range of actions
to reduce the number of these calls - it has banned cold calls from personal injury
firms and pensions providers unless the consumer has explicitly agreed to be contacted.
It has introduced director liability for nuisance calls and has supported the National
Trading Standards Scams Team to roll out call blocking devices to vulnerable people.
DCMS have provided over £1 million in the last 3 years to National Trading Standards
for distribution of call blocking devices to vulnerable people. This funding has helped
protect some of the most vulnerable in society from nuisance calls and scams, including
those originating from overseas.</p><p>However, the Government recognises there is
more to do and is working closely with industry, regulators and consumer groups to
consider further legislative and non-legislative solutions.</p><p>The Government is
also aware that criminals are exploiting the pandemic to commit opportunistic crimes
such as fraud. Although Covid-19 related fraud represents a small proportion of overall
fraud reporting, we understand the devastating impact it can have on individuals.
Along with partners, we have been implementing measures to ensure the public has the
protection and advice needed to shield themselves from these crimes.</p><p>We have
published guidance for the public to spot potential frauds and the steps they can
take to avoid them. This advice can currently be accessed at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-fraud-and-cyber-crime"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-fraud-and-cyber-crime</a></p>
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