How to Prevent Your Elderly Relative From Being Scammed
It’s horrifying to think that some people prey on the elderly and vulnerable in our society. Unfortunately, over 53% of people aged 65 and over have been targeted by fraudsters. This means your elderly relative could be at risk.
So, what can you do? Teach them about scams, what to watch for, and how to prevent them.
Common Types of Scams and How to Stop Them
1. Rogue Traders
Some scammers pose as tradesmen and claim your relative’s home needs urgent repairs. Worried, the person agrees and ends up paying huge sums for unnecessary work—or work that never happens.
To prevent this, talk regularly with your relative about who visits their home. Encourage them to use trusted traders only and never hire someone from the doorstep. If they feel pressured, they should call you immediately.
Helpful directories:
- TrustMark – Government-approved traders
- Trust a Trader – Customer-reviewed tradesmen
- Which? Trusted Traders
2. Postal Scams
Letters promising big winnings or urgent financial help often trick elderly people. Once they respond, scammers add them to a “sucker list,” leading to more mail and stress.
Advise your relative to treat any letter asking for money as suspicious. If they have internet access, help them verify before acting. Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Steps to reduce junk mail:
- Register with the Mail Preference Service
- Put a “No Junk Mail” sign on the door
3. Email Scams
Email scams are rising among older internet users. Fraudsters send messages that look like they’re from banks or trusted companies, asking for personal details.
Teach your relative:
- Never click links or attachments from unknown senders
- Never share bank details via email
- Ignore and delete suspicious emails
Signs of a scam email include mismatched email addresses, urgent requests, and poor grammar. Report cybercrime to the National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre.
4. Social Media Scams
Fraudsters use social media to appear genuine, often sharing sob stories and asking for money. Help your relative set strict privacy settings and report suspicious messages to the platform and the National Fraud Centre.
5. Distraction Crime
Someone may pose as a utility worker at the front door while an accomplice enters through the back. Advise your relative to lock all doors before answering and verify any visitor’s identity.
6. Doorstep Sales
Persistent salespeople can pressure elderly individuals into buying unnecessary items. Tell your relative never to let them in and to call you if they feel uncomfortable. Report issues to Citizens Advice or Trading Standards.
7. Investment and Pension Fraud
Many victims don’t report these scams due to embarrassment. Talk openly about investments and check legitimacy using the ScamSmart website.
8. Property Scams
Criminals may trick elderly people into signing over their homes. If your relative suspects fraud, contact the Property Fraud Line at 0300 006 7030.
9. Telephone Scams
Phone calls can be stressful and often urgent. Advise your relative never to share personal details over the phone. Register their number with the Telephone Preference Service to block nuisance calls.
10. Reporting Scammers
Always report scams. It helps authorities track fraudsters and prevent future crimes.
Regular conversations with your elderly relative are key. Awareness is the best defense.
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