You would imagine your own doorstep to be safe place.

But for some, it can bring unforeseen hazards. These come in the form of strangers calling offering goods and services – sometimes in a threatening manner. Unwanted mail pushed through the door can also bring problems, particularly to the elderly.

Both are being tackled head-on through the Scams and Fraud Education for Residents (SAFER) initiative.

A community education programme working with older adults in local communities, the project raises awareness and empowers residents with the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves against rogue traders, scams and frauds.

Run by West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service (WYTSS) and funded through the Big Lottery Fund, it aims to create an environment that enables older members of the community to work together to tackle such problems, thereby reducing the fear of crime and feelings of isolation.

The programme works with people in Bradford and Leeds, ensuring that they have an increased knowledge, understanding and confidence in dealing with cold calling, scams, frauds and other doorstep hazards.

Since the project’s launch in November 2012, staff have delivered more than 300 workshops to more than 2,200 residents. They have delivered partner training to 1,000 people, including more than 800 police officers, Police Community Support Officers, wardens and care workers.

“It has been really successful,” says project officer for Bradford Lanson Moore. “We have reached all our targets set by the Big Lottery,”

People have found the sessions, held at community centres and other local venues, really useful.

“A lot of people are unaware of the different types of scams which can catch people out. And many don’t know about the Citizens’ Advice Bureau or how to contact it,” says Lanson.

Enticements intended to persuade people to part with their cash include so-called ‘miracle cures’ for common age-related conditions such as arthritis and news about winnings in prize draws.

Charity bag collections are not always carried out by a genuine charity. “People should check the charity number, and there should also be a contact telephone number,” says Lanson. “Some businesses have no base.”

Special bins have been installed at locations where people can leave bags they suspect as bogus, as well as junk mail.

Victims in West Yorkshire have included an 85-year-old scammed on the doorstep for £3,000 for an electric reclining chair, and an 80-year-old who signed a year-long credit agreement for a hearing aid and a 95-year-old conned into buying a £3,000 mattress three months after buying an identical product. One elderly resident received more than 30,000 scam letters and sent more than £50,000 in response to fraudsters.

Scams carried out over the phone can originate abroad. “We warn people to look out for strange numbers and if possible to register with the telephone preference service, which blocks unsolicited calls,” adds Lanson.

Research has revealed that 63 per cent of older people attending the workshops have been targeted by scammers/fraudsters and doorstep criminals. Prior to the the initiative, surveys showed that 72 per cent of people did not tell family and friends about being a victim and only eight per cent reported it to the police.

The workshops include interactive hands-on activities, and The Feeling Good Theatre Company conveys messages through drama workshops. Self-help packs include information on tried and trusted traders.

The initiative also helps to increase the financial capability and wellbeing in those residents through sound money management and debt advice. They have written off £194,000 in debt, managed £137,000 of debt and claimed £401,000 in benefits.

To ensure sustainability, work is being carried out involving 6,000 older people including more than 200 volunteers who will be trained to deliver the programme and 200 ‘community champions’, whose role it is to be ultra-vigilant within their locality.

Partners in the project include local housing authorities, Bradford Older People’s Alliance, West Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. More than 80 community organisations are taking part, including Aire Valley Homes, the Alzheimer’s Society and Bradford and District Senior Power.

David Wheeler, treasurer with Bradford and District Senior Power, said the sessions – one of which is being held today at Culture Fusion in Bradford – were very beneficial to members.

“I am very savvy with these sorts of issues, but many people are not. It is something we need to address. Older people, particularly, tend to take people at face value and end up being conned.”

Funding for the project ends in November this year but it is hoped that it can be extended to take the project into different areas of West Yorkshire.

For more information contact Lanson on 0113 3933808 or e-mail lmoore1@wyjs.org.uk.