Conversations about the victims of scams

Every year, millions of people in the UK are being scammed and only a small proportion of the scams and frauds are being reported. It is important that we all remain vigilant and look out for the signs that someone may be, or is about to be, a victim of a scam or a fraud.

Warning signs of a scam or fraud

• The older person is receiving large amounts of post.
• There is evidence of large cash withdrawals or multiple cheque payments.
• The older person doesn’t have enough money to pay their bills or for other essential items.
• The older person receives lots of phone calls from strangers or from companies and organisations.
• The older person has an unusual number of repairs or traders visiting their home.
• The older person has become secretive and quieter and avoids conversations about scams.
• The older person is receiving an unusual number of deliveries.

Some scam victims don’t realise that they are being scammed or refuse to believe it. They may feel that the scammers are their friends, or that their returns or prizes will come through if they continue to respond. This can make it very difficult to talk to them about getting help, but regular conversations may make it easier for them to spot the signs and to eventually take action to stop the scammers themselves.