How to Spot and Avoid Scams Targeting Older Adults: A Safety Guide

Unfortunately, the risks of falling victim to scams increase as we age. Whether it’s exploiting a lack of technological awareness or increasing loneliness, scam artists use a wide range of techniques to make a quick profit at the expense of those already facing tighter budgets. These tactics can take many forms – from suspicious phone calls and emails to doorstep tradespeople – and it’s vital to be aware of them.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the most common scams targeting older adults and provide practical tips to help you stay one step ahead.

The main scams affecting the elderly

According to Money Supermarket, an older adult is the victim of fraud every 56 seconds, and it’s estimated that nearly three-in-five people over 65 have been the target of fraud or a scam.

As we age, we risk becoming more vulnerable to certain scams. This can have a lasting impact, with 4.9 million older adults in the UK fearing answering their phones because of scams, while 2.8 million over-50s say they’re scared to open their front door for the same reason.

Unfortunately, many seniors are unaware of the latest fraud techniques and how easily they can fall victim, making it even more important to stay vigilant.

Mike Lord, CEO at Stiltz, explains, “Scammers often target older adults because they tend to trust people more easily and may not be as familiar with new technologies or online risks. Many seniors are also, unfortunately, isolated from their family and friends, which makes them more likely to engage with calls or doorstep visitors.”

Here are some examples of scams that target older adults:

• Phone scams – These often involve unsolicited calls claiming to be from government agencies, banks, or charities. The scammer may try to convince the victim to provide personal information or transfer money.

• Online scams – These can include phishing emails, fake websites, or fraudulent social media offers that trick people into sharing sensitive information or paying for goods or services that don’t exist.

• Investment scams – Fraudsters often prey on older adults by offering “too good to be true” investment opportunities, promising large returns or quick profits with little to no risk.
  
• Lottery or prize scams –  Scammers tell victims they’ve won a lottery or prize but need to pay an upfront fee to collect the winnings.

The most common scams in 2025

Unfortunately, there are a lot of scams out there – many of which prey on the most vulnerable members of society, including older adults. Here, we’ve broken down 3 of the most common scam types that are on the rise, and explained what to do if you’ve fallen victim.

1. Pension scams

Pension scams are one of the most common tricks targeting older adults, especially those newly over 55 who now have access to their pension savings. Sadly, fraudsters are getting smarter, exploiting gaps in the system to scam people out of their hard-earned savings.

In 2023 alone, there were 559 reports of pension fraud, with victims losing over £17 million. On average, each person lost nearly £47,000, with the Metropolitan Police seeing the highest number of crimes at over £2 million of stolen pensions.

So, how do they do it?

These scammers often make cold calls claiming they can help you access your pension savings early or offer a way to unlock more than the usual tax-free lump sum. They might even promise big returns from overseas investments or try to sell you a “loan” from your pension pot. But in reality, they only want to get their hands on your money.

Mike says, “Pension scams can be devastating, and the sad thing is, they’re becoming more convincing. Criminals know exactly how to play on people’s need for financial security in retirement. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is – always check with someone you trust before making decisions, and if you’re not sure, it’s best to give your pension provider a call to verify with them directly.”

What to do if you’ve been scammed

If you think you’ve fallen for a pension scam, don’t panic – but do act quickly. Here’s what to do:

1. Report it – You can report the suspicious call or message to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). They have a simple online form you can use, or you can call them at 0303 123 1113. 
2. Get advice from Action Fraud – Action Fraud is the UK’s national fraud reporting centre. If you’ve lost money or suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, you can call them at 0300 123 2040. They’ll help you figure out your next steps. 
3. Contact your bank or pension provider – If you’ve already handed over money or shared personal details, it’s essential to let your bank or pension provider know immediately. They might be able to freeze the transaction or offer additional advice on keeping yourself safe.

2. Doorstep scams

Doorstep scams are another method criminals use to try to steal money or gain access to your home. They often pretend to be someone trustworthy, like a trader, postman, charity collector, or even someone in distress asking for help. They come across as friendly and polite, which is why these scams can be so effective, especially for older adults who may be more in need of human connection.

In the year between April 2023 and March 2024, there were a staggering 5,728 reported cases of doorstep scams, resulting in a total loss of £34.5 million. The victims were mostly aged 70-89, showing how prevalent these scams are among older people.

Mike says, “Doorstep scams often prey on the elderly’s desire for trust and building connections, and the challenge is that they can be difficult to spot. It’s important to remember that you don’t owe anyone access to your home just because they knock on your door. Always take your time to ask questions and have them provide identification before making any decisions, and don’t let yourself feel pressured.”

What to do if you’ve been a victim

If you’ve been tricked by a doorstep scam, it’s important to act quickly to protect yourself. Here’s what you should do:

1. Report it to 101 – If it’s not an immediate emergency, but you still want to report the incident, call 101. The police will be able to provide guidance on what to do.
2. Contact Citizens Advice – If the scam involved a salesperson, you can report it to Citizens Advice at 0808 223 1133. They can help investigate the scam and offer support to help you recoup your losses.
3. National Trading Standards – If the scammer was operating as a business, you can also report them to National Trading Standards online.

It’s also worth remembering that you should call 999 immediately in an emergency or if you feel threatened or unsafe.

Mike adds, “The key to protecting yourself from doorstep scammers is being vigilant. Always ask for identification before allowing anyone into your home, and if you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to close the door and check things out with a quick Google search. It’s better to be cautious.”

 3. Fake NHS, HMRC or bank mail

Fake mail scams, including phishing attempts (emails or text messages impersonating a legitimate source), are a serious issue for many older adults. Criminals impersonate trusted organisations like the NHS, HMRC, or your bank to trick you into sharing personal details, passwords, or banking information. These scams usually look official, even using your full name to make them seem more legitimate.

The most common tactics include emails that claim to be from HMRC threatening penalties for unpaid taxes or fake NHS messages about missed appointments. Fraudsters may also send texts or emails that look like they’re from your bank, asking you to click a link or share sensitive information.

Over 32 million phishing emails were reported to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) in a single year, with more than a third of these being reported in the last year alone. These scams are a particular problem for older adults, with 55% of people over 65 admitting that they struggle to identify legitimate communications from their bank.

Mike says, “Scammers are always evolving their techniques to make them look more convincing. That’s why it’s crucial to remain cautious, even when you think the message is from a trusted source. If something feels off, double-check by communicating directly with your bank using the contact number on the back of your debit or credit card. You can also call your GP surgery or reach out to HMRC using the phone number or email address listed on their website.”

What to do if you’ve been impacted

If you’ve fallen victim to a fake NHS, HMRC, or bank mail scam, here’s what you should do:

1. Report any suspicious emails – If you receive a phishing email, forward it to [email protected]. This helps track and stop fraudsters.
2. Report all scam texts – Forward any suspicious text messages to 7726, which is the official number for reporting spam. Many phone models also let you directly report spam texts via your inbox.
3. Contact your bank immediately – If you’ve shared your bank details or account information, contact your bank immediately to block any fraudulent activity.
4. Change your passwords – Update your passwords for any online accounts to prevent additional access. Make sure to use strong, unique passwords for every account.

How families can protect older relatives

Helping older relatives stay safe from scams takes a collective effort, and family members play a crucial role in safeguarding their loved ones. By being proactive and helping set up protection for relatives online and over the phone, families can help protect older adults from fraudsters targeting their vulnerabilities.

Mike says, “Family members are usually the first line of defence when protecting older relatives from potential scams. Many scammers take advantage of older adults’ unfamiliarity with modern technology, and some specifically prey on older people because of their lack of a support network. This is where having family around can make all the difference. By having open conversations about changing circumstances as your relatives get older, you can give your loved ones a better chance of avoiding falling victim.”

Here are some simple ways families can help protect older adults from scams:

• Encourage conversations about money and scams – Regular discussions about finances and the different types of scams that are starting to appear can help older relatives stay informed and aware.
• Help set up call blockers, email filters, and strong passwords – Scammers usually contact their victims via phone or email. Helping set up call-blocking services and email filters can lower the risk of being targeted by fraudsters. Also, make sure that strong, unique passwords are used for online banking and other sensitive accounts.
• Install antivirus software and keep devices up to date – Make sure antivirus software is installed on all devices, and check for regular updates.
• Register phone numbers with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) – Registering your loved one’s phone numbers with TPS can reduce the number of unsolicited marketing calls, which are often the first step in a scam.
• Report suspected scams to Action Fraud or the bank immediately – If you suspect your loved one is a victim of fraud, take immediate action by reporting the incident. This can help stop the scam before more damage is done.

If your relative has a cognitive illness, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, the risk of falling victim to these scams is even higher. Because of this, you may want to join the 60% of adults in the UK considering moving into a multi-generational living arrangement, where the whole family is together under the same roof. See our guide to multi-generational households for more information.

Stay safe at home with Stiltz

Making sure your home remains a safe and comfortable space as you age is just as important as keeping yourself protected online.

If you’re looking for an easy way to stay independent and move around your home with ease, a Stiltz home lift can be a game-changer. Our Duo and Trio models are designed to blend into your home, giving you full access to all levels of your property.

Contact us today to learn more. Or, visit the blog for more advice on ageing in place.