Protecting Elderly Relatives from Scams UK — A Family Guide
How to help protect elderly family members from scams. Warning signs, practical steps, having conversations about fraud, and what to do if they've been targeted.
·5 min read
Elderly people are disproportionately targeted by scammers. Here’s how to help protect them.
Why Older People Are Targeted
Risk Factors
Factor
Why It Matters
Available funds
May have savings, pension, own home
Trust
Often more trusting of callers
Isolation
Fewer people to check stories with
Politeness
May feel rude hanging up
Tech unfamiliarity
Less aware of online scams
Cognitive changes
May affect judgment
Loneliness
Vulnerable to romance scams
Most Common Scams Targeting Elderly
Scam Type
How It Works
Phone impersonation
“Your bank/police calling”
Doorstep callers
Rogue traders, fake charity
Romance scams
Online or phone relationship
Investment fraud
Pension liberation, too-good returns
Grandparent scam
“I’m your grandson, I’m in trouble”
Computer support
“Microsoft” calling about virus
Prize scams
“You’ve won, send fee to claim”
Warning Signs
Behaviour Changes
Sign
What It Might Mean
Secretive about calls
Being told to keep quiet
Anxious about money
Know something is wrong
New expensive purchases
Scam products
Frequent bank visits
Withdrawing for scammer
Reluctant to discuss finances
Embarrassed or protecting scammer
Lots of post from competitions
Scam lists
Defensive about new friend
Romance scam
Financial Signs
Sign
What It Might Mean
Unexplained withdrawals
Sending money
New standing orders
Subscription scams
Changed spending patterns
Money going elsewhere
Reduced savings
Not normal spending
Money worries suddenly
Lost significant sum
Physical Signs
Sign
What It Might Mean
Lots of junk mail
On scam lists
Deliveries they don’t need
Bought from cold callers
Work done on house
Rogue traders
New gadgets/products
High-pressure sales
Having the Conversation
How to Approach It
Do
Don’t
Be respectful
Be condescending
Share news stories
Accuse them of being foolish
Ask their opinion
Take over their finances
Listen
Dismiss concerns
Offer help
Make them feel incapable
Be patient
Rush the conversation
Conversation Starters
Approach
Example
News story
“Did you see about this scam? Let me show you”
Personal worry
“I nearly fell for a scam email the other day”
Asking their help
“Can you help me understand how to spot these?”
General concern
“These scams are affecting lots of people our family knows”
What to Explain
Topic
Key Points
Phone scams
Banks never ask for PINs or passwords
Email scams
Never click links, go to websites directly
Doorstep callers
It’s OK to say no and close the door
Too good to be true
It usually is
Taking time
Legitimate callers will wait
Practical Protections
Phone Protection
Measure
How It Helps
TPS registration
Reduces cold calls
Call blocker
Blocks scam numbers
Caller display
See who’s calling
Don’t answer unknown
Let voicemail catch it
True Call device
Screens calls
Programme contacts
Know who’s who
Home Protection
Measure
How It Helps
Door chain
Don’t fully open
Video doorbell
See without opening
“No cold callers” sticker
Deters some
Council “No Cold Calling Zone”
If available
Never let unexpected workers in
Always verify
Financial Protection
Measure
How It Helps
Daily transaction limits
Limits loss
Trusted contact with bank
Can be notified
Joint oversight
Help spot issues
Regular check-ins
Discuss finances
Lasting Power of Attorney
If needed
Online Protection
Measure
How It Helps
Strong passwords
Different for each site
No banking on email links
Always type address
Ad blocker
Reduces scam ads
Scam email filters
Reduce exposure
Registering Protections
Services to Sign Up For
Service
What It Does
How to Register
TPS
Blocks sales calls
tpsonline.org.uk
MPS
Blocks junk mail
mpsonline.org.uk
CIFAS (if previous fraud)
Protective registration
£25
Bank Protections
Ask Bank About
Benefit
Trusted contact
Family member notified if concerns
Transaction alerts
Know about activity
Daily limits
Reduces potential loss
Priority Services Register
Extra support
If They’ve Been Scammed
Immediate Actions
Priority
Action
1
Don’t blame them
2
Contact bank immediately
3
Report to Action Fraud
4
Stop any ongoing payments
5
Change passwords if online
Emotional Support
Do
Why
Reassure them
Scammers are sophisticated
Don’t say “I told you so”
Increases shame
Help them report
Support through process
Keep checking in
May be repeat targeted
Consider counselling
If very distressed
Getting Help
Source
Contact
Action Fraud
0300 123 2040
Age UK advice
0800 678 1602
Citizens Advice
0800 144 8848
Victim Support
0808 168 9111
If You Suspect Ongoing Scam
What to Do
Scenario
Action
They won’t listen
Keep gently trying
You’re concerned about capacity
Speak to GP
Large amounts at risk
Bank, Trading Standards
Immediate danger
Police
Need legal protection
Consider attorney
Who to Contact
Organisation
When
Adult social care
Vulnerability concerns
Trading Standards
Consumer protection
Bank
Financial concerns
Police
Crime occurring
Solicitor
Legal protection needed
Summary: Protection Checklist
Practical Steps
Protection
Done
Register TPS
☐
Register MPS
☐
Install call blocker
☐
Set up caller display
☐
Programme important numbers
☐
Door chain/video doorbell
☐
Bank trusted contact
☐
Regular Actions
Action
Frequency
Check in about calls/visitors
Weekly
Review finances together
Monthly
Discuss scams in news
As they occur
Check for unusual post
When visiting
Emergency Plan
Have Ready
Details
Bank fraud number
From their card
Action Fraud
0300 123 2040
Age UK
0800 678 1602
Your contact info with bank
If trusted contact
Key Messages for Them
Remember
Details
It’s OK to hang up
Not rude
It’s OK to say no
At the door
You can call me
Anytime to check
Take your time
Never rush
It’s not your fault
If scammed
Protecting elderly relatives requires respect, patience, and practical steps. Scammers are sophisticated — anyone can be fooled. Create an environment where they feel comfortable telling you if something seems wrong, without fear of judgment.