Fraudsters regularly target older people in the hopes of stealing substantial savings built up over a lifetime, with older scam victims losing an average of almost £4,000 each, according to 2024 research from charity Independent Age.
The effects can be wide-ranging, with three in 10 victims reporting that they experienced negative impacts on their mental health, and one in eight saying they suffered physical health consequences after being the target of fraud.
That's why it's so important to block or deter scammers via the channels they use to reach older and retired people – and combat factors such as loneliness.
Here, we round up our top tips to help protect you and your loved ones from scams.
1. Install a call blocker
Scam calls aren't just a nuisance – they can devastate lives. Fraudsters posing as bank employees, HMRC or law enforcement can worm their way into their victim's account and steal life savings in minutes.
The risks are amplified when scammers target those who are vulnerable for a variety of reasons including cognitive decline, loneliness and bereavement. Some scams can be incredibly convincing, and these factors could leave you more receptive to a fraudster's manipulative attempts to impersonate an authority figure or build rapport.
2. Deter doorstep sellers
Find out more:3. Install antivirus software
These bogus messages are designed to steal victims' card details or even persuade you to grant remote access, letting criminals take over your device.
Scams like these can be particularly convincing if you're less confident with technology. Having high-performing genuine antivirus software on your device can help to protect you by flagging up messages like these as scams, or blocking them altogether.
Find out more4. Check your social media details
Social media can provide a valuable way for older people to stay in touch with family and friends, particularly when distance or mobility is an issue.
However, divulging information such as location, birthday, interests and employment history can be used by scammers to build rapport and groom their victims. These details could also put you at greater risk of identity theft.
5. Combat loneliness
Loneliness can affect people of any age. However, the risks are particularly acute for those who spend longer periods alone at home as they get older, through factors such as retirement, health issues or bereavement.
Fraudsters prey on people experiencing loneliness, sometimes over months or even years, through long-running romance or investment scams in which the victim is repeatedly targeted.
There are things you can do to help an older loved one avoid becoming socially isolated, from regular chats to practical help around the home, or accompanying them to appointments or on errands.
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/5-ways-to-help-older-people-avoid-scams-aFsSR8r3tsOu