Fraudsters often use phone scams to target vulnerable individuals, particularly elderly people. They use clever tactics to trick their victims into handing over personal information, money, or account access. As their techniques evolve, it’s crucial to be clued up and look out for your loved ones.
Recognising Common Tactics
Scammers use a range of tricks to deceive their victims, often relying on urgency, fear, or greed.
One of the most popular approaches is pretending to be from the bank or the police. They might claim that someone is in trouble or that a fraudulent transaction has occurred on an account. By demanding immediate action, they hope to pressure the victim into rushed decisions.
Another typical route involves offering fake prizes or lottery wins and asking for payment to release the winnings. Be wary of any unsolicited call asking for personal details or payments, especially if they want a quick response.
Blocking Unwanted Calls
There are ways to reduce the number of unexpected calls reaching your loved ones.
First, check that they have the most recent version of their mobile operating system, as updates often enhance security. Regardless, it’s best not to answer unknown callers. Many phones now allow you to filter or block calls from unknown numbers, so make sure to activate this feature.
You can also suggest they register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS). This allows individuals to opt out of unsolicited sales and marketing calls, saving them hassle.
Educating Your Relatives About Possible Risks
Education is one of the simplest and most powerful tools for protecting the people you care about from scams and fraud. Take time to talk to your relatives—especially older family members—about the common types of scams, key risks, and the warning signs to look out for. Help them understand that no legitimate company or government agency will ever request sensitive personal information, passwords, or payment over the phone, through text messages, or by email.
It’s also important to teach them to slow down and not act out of fear or urgency—tactics scammers often use to pressure victims. Encourage them to hang up or delete the message, and always double-check with someone they trust if they’re unsure.
At the same time, try to be patient and understanding in these conversations. If a loved one has already fallen victim to a scam, they may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or even afraid to talk about it. Reassure them that these schemes are carefully crafted to fool people of all ages and backgrounds—it’s not a reflection of their intelligence or worth.
By creating an open and supportive environment, you can empower your family to stay informed, vigilant, and safe. Prevention starts with awareness—and a simple conversation today could help stop a scam tomorrow.
What to Do if a Loved One Falls Victim
Acting quickly is key. Start by making sure your loved one’s financial accounts are secure. You may need to help the person affected contact their bank to report the incident and freeze or cancel any accounts.
Encourage them to contact Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. It can offer advice and investigate what happened.
Emotional support is equally important, as falling for a costly trick can be upsetting. Urge them not to let the experience stop them from staying connected with the outside world.
It’s natural to want to protect your loved ones, particularly if you’ve been scammed yourself or heard horror stories. If you’re still worried, Age UK offers various helpful resources.
