How to protect older adults from scams

Scams targeting elderly people are becoming more common and more sophisticated. Research from the older people’s charity Independent Age found that nearly 3 in 5 people aged 65 and over (61%) have been targeted by a scam or fraud, with average losses of £4,000 per victim. 

From fake phone calls claiming their grandchild is in trouble to convincing emails that look like they're from their bank, scammers are constantly finding new ways to target older adults. 

If you've got elderly family members or friends, you're probably wondering how to keep them safe. We’ll show you how to protect them, covering the most common types of fraud, how to recognise red flags, and practical steps you can take today to safeguard their finances and wellbeing. 

Knowing what to watch for is half the battle. Here are the most common scams targeting older adults right now.

1. Phone scams

Phone scams (also known as vishing) are among the most common and can be incredibly convincing. Here are a few to watch out for: 

• The “grandchild in trouble” scam involves someone calling, claiming to be a grandchild who has been arrested or is in the hospital abroad. They beg for money to be sent urgently, often asking the victim not to tell other family members. 

• Fake HMRC calls: The caller claims there's a problem with tax records or that arrest warrants have been issued. The caller demands immediate payment to resolve the “issue.” 

• Pension scams offer to help people access their pension early or promise unrealistic investment returns. These can wipe out someone's entire retirement fund. 

Remember: Legitimate organisations like HMRC will never call demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest.

2. Smishing, email and phishing scams

Scammers use emails and text messages that look like they’re from trusted organisations, but they’re designed to trick you into handing over personal or financial information. Here are some common examples: 

• Fake bank emails claiming there's suspicious activity on accounts and ask people to click links to “verify” their details. 

• Fake prize and lottery scams. These emails congratulate victims on winning competitions they never entered. To claim their “prize,” they need to pay fees or provide personal information. 

• Smishing scams are phishing attempts via text messages. They often pretend to be from your bank, Royal Mail, or HMRC, urging you to click a link to resolve a problem or track a delivery. The links lead to fake websites that steal your data or install malware. 

Stay safe: Banks will never ask you to confirm passwords or PINs via email. When in doubt, call your bank directly using the number on your card. 

Learn how to protect yourself and others from fake emails and other phishing scams.

3. Online shopping and sweepstakes

Scammers often tempt people with deals that seem too good to be true – and they usually are. Older adults can be more vulnerable if they’re not used to spotting the warning signs. 

• Fake shopping websites: These look like real online stores but sell items that never arrive, or send cheap, fake versions instead. The site name might closely mimic a well-known brand with small spelling changes. 

• Free trial traps: You’re offered a product for “just the cost of postage,” but hidden in the small print is an expensive subscription. Once signed up, cancelling is often difficult. 

• Social media marketplace scams involve fake sellers on Facebook Marketplace or similar platforms who take payment but never deliver goods. 

4. Romance scams

Romance scams are especially heartbreaking because they target people looking for friendship or love:  

• Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites or social media, often using stolen photos of attractive people.  

• These scammers will build emotional relationships over weeks or months before asking for money for “emergencies” like medical bills or travel costs to visit. 

• Victims may be pressured to keep the relationship secret or send funds multiple times. 

Age UK reports that nearly a third of people targeted by romance scams are over the age of 65. 

5. Tech support scams

Tech support scams trick people into thinking there’s something wrong with their computer. Scammers pose as experts to gain access, install malware, or charge for fake repairs. Here’s how it works: 

• Cold callers claim your computer is infected with viruses and offer to fix it remotely. They then install genuine malware or charge hundreds of pounds for unnecessary “repairs.” 

• Pop-up warnings appear on websites claiming your computer is infected and providing phone numbers to call for help. These lead to the same scam. 

Remember, Microsoft, Apple, and other tech companies will never call you unsolicited about computer problems. 

Knowing the warning signs is the first step to protecting yourself and your loved ones. Thinking you or an older friend or relative has been scammed? Learn how to spot the signs and take action before it's too late.

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are actionable steps you can take today. 

Phone protection

• Register with the Telephone Preference Service at tpsonline.org.uk. This free service reduces nuisance calls significantly. 

• Install call blocking devices or use phone features that screen unknown numbers. Many modern phones have built-in call blocking features. 

• Set up a family password system so real family members can prove their identity during emergency calls. 

Online safety

• Use strong, unique passwords for every account. Consider a password manager like those recommended by NCSC to make this manageable. 

• Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts like banking and email. 

• Install reputable antivirus software and keep it updated.

Financial protection

• Use secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal for online purchases, never bank transfers for goods from unknown sellers. 

• Set up account alerts, so banks notify you of unusual activity via text or email. 

• Consider setting up a trusted person alert with banks so they can contact a designated family member if concerned about unusual activity. 

• Shred important documents containing personal or financial information before throwing them away. 

Virgin Media takes your security seriously and offers built-in tools to make it easier to keep older adults safe from fraud, whether you're helping a parent, grandparent, or neighbour. 

• Advanced Caller Identification:  We use smart AI technology to help spot and stop scam calls. It works in the background to verify genuine callers and filter out the bad ones.    

• Virgin Media call blocking services: Our Anonymous Caller Rejection (ACR) blocks calls from withheld numbers. To activate ACR, call 150 from a Virgin Media phone or 0345 454 1111 from any other phone, then select option 4. 

• Blacklist scam calls: Want to block a specific number? Add it to your Blacklist. The caller will either hear a busy tone or be sent straight to voicemail. 

• Content filtering: When you’re a Virgin Media customer with a broadband package, you get Essential Security at no extra cost. From hidden viruses and phishing scams to dodgy pop-ups, we’ll let you know if you try to access a dangerous website. 

With Virgin Media's broadband and regular family chats about online safety, you can help keep your loved ones protected. For more ways to stay safe online, check out our Online Safety Guide with expert tips to spot scams, avoid fake alerts, and keep your personal information secure.  

Not with us yet? Explore our latest broadband deals, all with Essential Security included, at no extra cost, and enjoy a safer online experience.