Members of the public need to play their part in warning pensioners in particular of a new widespread telephone scam operation which preys upon vulnerable people and deducts huge amounts from their credit cards, Nick Griffin MEP has warned.

“Pensioners are being conned into giving their credit card details over the phone to call centre workers from either India or Eastern Europe who claim to be selling medicinal products,” Mr Griffin said in a statement.

“Many of those who do so have found large payments being made on their credit cards, without their authorisation.  It’s frighteningly widespread, so an elderly person near you could easily fall prey to this if you don’t make the effort to warn them. Please do your bit.”

The ‘telesales’ operation uses various names, including Sanda Well and Sanda Wellness.

“In the last forty eight hours I’ve heard from several constituents and also from friends in several parts of the country that callers from these companies are contacting elderly people,” Mr Griffin said.

“They use phrases such as ‘I’m calling from the Health Centre’ to try to sound official and respectable, and in some cases they even have access to the target’s medical records, including current medication and date of birth.

“Having used this information to try to establish credibility, they then try to sell their targets ‘medicinal’ products.

“They are at present using the number 0208 6190075. A  Google search on this number reveals large numbers of people claiming that it is a pure scam, and a smaller number (according to many Internet comments actually working for the company) giving glowing testimonials.

“Having spoken personally to a pensioner who was very upset at the thought of a private commercial company having access to her medical records, I know which side of this I believe,” Mr Griffin continued.

“Some of their products may or may not have value, but their sales techniques at best leave a great deal to be desired.

“So please contact elderly relatives or neighbours and warn them to be very careful indeed if called by anyone offering to sell them medical products over the phone. While you are at it, take the time to check that they are alright in the bitter cold as well,” he said.

“Remind them that the utility companies are not allowed to cut them off, and that cold weather heating bonuses will be triggered by the prolonged cold snap, so they should keep the heating on.

“If you have any doubts as to whether or not they will, then take steps to help them yourself. Taking round a hot meal, or even just making them a warm drink and having a chat can be a life-saver.

“My North West constituents can apply to my English Fair Fund for help (via my constituency office) and  BNP activists all over the country can always contact their local organiser if for some reason more help is needed than they can give personally.

“Remember, nationalism is at heart about recognising that our people are an extended family. That means we all have a duty to look out for members of our national family who may be vulnerable and in danger. Please do what you can to help,” Mr Griffin said.