Arthritis conmen aim at elderly

By KATHERINE HOBY

Elderly women with arthritis are being targeted by smooth-talking con men who claim to be working for Arthritis New Zealand.

Auckland division general manager Francesca Holloway said the men had been targeting elderly women, and offering a free home visit.

The organisation was concerned that sufferers were being pressured to part with large sums of money for a variety of readily available, overpriced arthritis relief products.

"The tactics are very high pressure," she said. "On the phone they claim not to be selling anything, but once inside your home the sales pitch really starts."

Ms Holloway said one woman was escorted to her bank by the salesman, to make sure she drew out $5000 for equipment she had been talked into buying.

Ms Holloway said she advised people not to make appointments with the salesmen.

"If you do, make sure someone else is there who can, if necessary, ask them to leave."

Fair Go had already investigated one group, but others may be operating in this way, she said.

nzherald.co.nz/health