Protecting Yourself from Scams and Fraud UK

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

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

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.

You Might Also Find Useful

Sources

  1. Action Fraud
  2. FCA — Scams