Protecting Yourself from Scams and Fraud UKProtecting 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.
Start here: Scams and Fraud Hub.
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
| 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 |
| 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.
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