Phone scams targeting older people
Older people are disproportionately targeted by telephone fraudsters. Understanding the tactics used can help you protect yourself and vulnerable relatives.
Why older people are targeted
Fraudsters specifically target older people because they are statistically more likely to answer landline calls, may be more trusting of authority figures, and often have significant savings accumulated over a lifetime. According to UK Finance, people aged over 65 account for a substantial proportion of authorised push payment fraud victims.
Isolation plays a significant role. Someone who lives alone and has limited daily contact may be more susceptible to a caller who is friendly, patient and authoritative, particularly when AI voice cloning can now make the call sound like it is coming from a family member.
Most common scams
The grandparent scam
A caller pretends to be a grandchild in trouble, including being arrested, in an accident or stranded abroad — and begs for money urgently before the family finds out. AI voice cloning is now used to make these calls sound exactly like the grandchild. This is one of the fastest-growing scam variants in the UK.
Police impersonation
The caller claims to be a police officer investigating bank fraud. They say the victim's bank account is compromised and ask them to withdraw cash and hand it to a "secure officer". No genuine police force will ever ask you to withdraw cash.
Computer repair scam
The caller claims to be from Microsoft, BT, Virgin Media or a broadband provider and says a virus has been detected. They request remote access to the computer and charge for "repairs". Once on the computer, they may access banking sites or install malware.
Pension and investment scams
Callers offer free pension reviews or investment opportunities promising high returns. These can result in victims losing their entire retirement savings. The FCA estimates investment fraud losses average over £29,000 per victim.
Doorstep and phone combination
A caller says a tradesperson will visit to check something. Then a fraudster arrives at the door while a confederate keeps the victim occupied on the phone. This is used to distract while the visitor accesses valuables.
Advice for older people
- ✓No genuine bank, police force or government body will ever ask you to withdraw cash or transfer it to a "safe account".
- ✓If you are unsure about a call, hang up and call back using a number from an official source, not one the caller gave you..
- ✓Wait a few minutes before calling back, or use a different phone, as fraudsters can keep your line open.
- ✓Dial 159 to reach your bank's fraud team directly. This cannot be spoofed.
- ✓Talk to a trusted family member or friend before making any financial decision following an unexpected call.
- ✓Register with TPS at tpsonline.org.uk to reduce unsolicited marketing calls.
Advice for family members
- ✓Talk openly with elderly relatives about common phone scams: awareness is the best defence.
- ✓Establish a family code word that anyone can ask for on a suspicious call. A voice-cloned scammer will not know it.
- ✓Consider a call-blocking device for landlines that receive frequent nuisance calls (see below).
- ✓Ensure your relative knows they can always call you before taking any action requested by phone.
- ✓If you suspect a relative has been targeted, report it to Action Fraud even if no money was lost.
Call blocking options for landlines
CPR Call Blocker
Plugs into any landline and blocks known nuisance numbers automatically. New numbers can be blocked at the touch of a button. Available online and in major retailers.
TrueCall
A more advanced call-screening device that intercepts unknown callers and requires them to announce themselves before being put through. Known safe numbers ring directly.
BT Call Protect
Free service for BT landline customers that automatically diverts nuisance calls to a separate junk voicemail. Can be managed online.
Sky Nuisance Call Controls
Free to Sky Talk customers. Allows blocking of anonymous calls and specific numbers via online account settings.
Virgin Media Call Guard
Free feature for Virgin Media phone customers that screens unknown callers and requires them to state their name before being connected.
Getting help and support
Age UK helpline: 0800 055 6112 (Mon–Fri, 8am–7pm), free advice, support and signposting for older people and their families.
Victim Support: victimsupport.org.uk or freephone 116 006: confidential support for scam victims.
Citizens Advice: citizensadvice.org.uk or 0800 144 8848, free and independent advice.
Action Fraud: reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040, to report scams to police.