Scams and financial fraud are unfortunately common threats that can affect people of all ages, but older adults, particularly those living with cognitive challenges like dementia, can be more vulnerable to them.
At Visiting Angels East Midlands Central & Charnwood, we want to empower families and carers with the knowledge and tools to recognise, prevent and respond to fraud.
Whether it’s an unsolicited phone call, a suspicious email, a social media contact, or someone knocking at the door, knowing the red flags and what to do next could save you or your loved one from emotional distress and financial loss.
Why Fraud Awareness Matters for Older Adults
People living with dementia may be more vulnerable to scams because of difficulties with judgement, decision-making and understanding risk. Scammers often use urgency, pressure and deception to trick people into giving away money or personal information.
Older adults can be targeted through phone calls, email, texts, doorstep visits, online ads and social media. Recognising common scam tactics, such as fake ‘urgent’ requests or offers that seem too good to be true, is a first step in prevention.
Common Scam Types to Watch For
- Phone and Voicemail Scams
Scammers may claim to be from your bank or an official organisation and create a sense of urgency to extract information. A genuine bank will never call you out of the blue requesting full PINs or passwords. - Email and Text Scams
Unsolicited emails or texts asking you to click a link, log in or ‘verify’ account details could be phishing attempts. Official organisations rarely ask for sensitive data this way. - Doorstep Scams
People pretending to be utility workers, charity collectors or offering home services may be trying to get access to your home or money. Always ask for ID and verify with the organisation directly. - Romance and Online Scams
Fraudsters create fake relationships online to build trust and eventually request money to cover emergency costs or investments.
Practical Tips to Prevent Scams
Here are key steps you and your loved ones can take to reduce risk:
1. Stop & Think
Never feel rushed or pushed into a decision. If something feels off, pause and check with someone you trust.
2. Verify Contact
If someone claims to be from your bank, utility provider or government agency, hang up and call them back using a known, trusted number.
3. Protect Personal Information
Don’t give out bank details, passwords or PINs over phone, email or text. Banks, will not ask for this information unexpectedly.
4. Use Safety Features
Install call blockers and consider setting up ‘No Cold Calling’ stickers on your property to deter doorstep scams.
5. Keep Trusted Support in the Loop
Talk to carers, family members or professionals about unusual contacts or offers. Sharing information helps protect everyone.
How to Respond if You Suspect a Scam
If you or a loved one thinks they’ve been targeted:
- Contact your bank immediately and inform them of any suspicious activity.
- Report the scam to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre.
- Keep records of communications and transactions.
Being proactive increases the chance of stopping further loss and can aid in recovery. Fraudsters are constantly finding new ways to deceive people, but with awareness, caution and trusted support, you can significantly reduce your risk. At Visiting Angels East Midlands Central & Charnwood, we’re committed to helping you protect the financial well-being and peace of mind of older adults and their carers. If you’re concerned about potential scams or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team, we’re here to help.
Helpful External Support & Resources
We recommend reviewing trusted, expert guidance on keeping older adults safe:
- Action Fraud: The UK’s official reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime. If you believe you or a loved one has been targeted or affected by a scam, you can report it online or by phone and receive guidance on next steps.
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ - Dementia UK: Preventing a Person with Dementia from Being Scammed. Practical tips specifically tailored for people living with dementia.
https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/financial-and-legal-support/prevent-a-person-with-dementia-from-being-scammed/ - Barclays: Fraud & Scams Protection Advice. Guidance on spotting, preventing and reporting scams.
https://www.barclays.co.uk/fraud-and-scams/scams-protection/ - Age UK: Scams and Fraud Information. Practical information on scam types and how to avoid them.
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/scams-fraud/
