Money & Budgeting
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.
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.
You Might Also Find Useful