Scams are designed to catch people off guard, and they can happen to anyone, whatever their age or experience. Scammers are often polite, persuasive and in a hurry. They may pretend to be your bank, a delivery company, a government department, the police or even a member of your family. Knowing the common tricks makes them much easier to spot.
This guide is for older people and for the family and friends who help them. It is worth reading together.
The warning signs
Most scams share a few features. Be cautious if a call, text or email:
- arrives out of the blue, especially from someone claiming to be your bank, the police or a government department
- tells you to act quickly, or warns that something bad will happen if you do not
- asks for personal details, passwords, PINs or security codes
- asks you to move money, buy vouchers or pay in an unusual way
- asks you to keep it secret from your family or your bank
- includes a link or attachment you were not expecting
- claims to be from a family member using a new number and asking for money
Phone calls
If you receive a call you were not expecting, you do not have to stay on the line. It is not rude to hang up.
Your bank will never ask you to move money to a “safe account”. Anyone who tells you to do this is a scammer, however convincing they sound and whatever they seem to know about you.
If you are unsure whether a call is genuine, hang up and call the organisation back on a number you trust, such as the one on the back of your bank card or on an official letter. Ideally, use a different phone to make that call, so you can be sure you are speaking to the real organisation.
For calls about your bank account, there is also 159. It is a short, memorable number that connects you to the fraud line at many UK banks.
Text messages
Scam texts often pretend to be from delivery companies, banks, mobile networks or government services. They usually include a link and ask you to pay a small fee or confirm your details.
- Do not tap links in texts you were not expecting.
- If you are unsure, contact the organisation using a number or website you already trust.
- Forward scam texts to 7726, free of charge. On a phone keypad, 7726 spells SPAM, which makes it easier to remember.
- Once you have forwarded it, delete the message.
Emails
Scam emails can look very official, with logos and familiar wording. Be wary of emails that call you “Dear customer” rather than using your name, ask you to log in through a link, or warn that your account is about to be closed.
- Do not open attachments or click links in emails you were not expecting.
- Look carefully at the sender’s email address. It may look close to a real one but be slightly different.
- If in doubt, go to the organisation’s website by typing the address yourself, or call them on a number you trust.
- Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Stop and check. It is always fine to hang up, ignore a message or say “I’ll call you back” while you check with someone you trust. A genuine organisation will not pressure you to act there and then.
If you think you have been scammed
Anyone can be caught out, and there is no shame in it. Acting quickly can help.
- If money or bank details are involved, contact your bank straight away, using the number on your card or statement, or by calling 159.
- Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. If you live in Scotland, report it to Police Scotland on 101.
- If you shared a password, change it.
- Tell someone you trust, such as a family member or friend, so they can help with the next steps.
If you feel threatened or are in immediate danger, call 999.
Helping someone you care about
If you help an older relative or friend, talk about scams openly and often, without making them feel foolish. Agree a simple rule together, such as “I never give my details to anyone who calls me. I always hang up and call back.” Suggest they check with you before acting on anything unexpected, and keep a short list of trusted numbers by the phone.
If someone you know would like to feel more confident using a smartphone or tablet, find out about our practical digital support. You will find more guides like this one in our resources.