Nuisance-calls crackdown pledge amid growing pensions scam fears

The "scourge" of nuisance-calling is to be tackled, the Government has pledged, amid reports of a possible ban.

There will be an announcement on the issue of cold-calling and scams in the coming weeks, a House of Lords debate heard.

There has been growing concern that criminals are taking advantage of pension freedoms introduced by former chancellor George Osborne to cheat the elderly out of their savings.

Baroness Altmann, who served as pensions minister under David Cameron, has urged action against telephone scammers, and previously complained she was repeatedly blocked by officials when she tried to do something about the issue.

In the Lords on Tuesday, Lord Young of Cookham said: "She (Baroness Altmann) and other noble Lords asked about cold-calling and scams. I understand that there will be an announcement in a few weeks' time.

"At this stage, I can say no more than that, but I hope it will meet the expectations that have been aroused during this debate."

Baroness Altmann tweeted: "Hopeful indications from DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) Minister just now pension scam cold calls. He says to expect a pleasing announcement in a few weeks! Wow."

A Government spokesman said: "We are determined to tackle the scourge of nuisance calls, especially those of a fraudulent nature.

"We take the issue of pension scams, and the targeting of vulnerable people through cold calls, very seriously and are currently considering ways to protect consumers from pension scammers."