Part 1 of a 3-part series on protecting elderly relatives from scams. Part 2: online scams · Part 3: doorstep scams
Phone scams are still one of the most common ways older people get targeted, mostly because they rely on catching someone off guard rather than any real technical skill. The good news is a handful of simple rules stop almost all of them.
The most common ones
- Fake tech support calls. Someone claims to be from Microsoft, BT, or your internet provider, says your computer has a virus, and asks to remotely access it "to fix it." A genuine tech company will never cold-call you about a virus.
- Bank or HMRC impersonation. A caller says there's suspicious activity on your account, or unpaid tax, and pressures you to move money to a "safe account" or pay by gift card.
- The "urgent" pressure call. Almost every phone scam relies on urgency - pay now, decide now, don't hang up and check. That pressure itself is the biggest warning sign.
Rules that stop almost all of them
- Never give remote access to your computer to someone who called you. Legitimate support only happens if you contacted them first.
- Hang up and call back on a number you already have - from a bank card, a bill, or the official website. Never the number the caller gives you.
- Banks, HMRC, and the police will never ask for your full PIN, password, or for you to move money to a "safe" account. That request alone means it's a scam.
- It's fine to just hang up. You don't owe a caller politeness or an explanation.
If in doubt, a second opinion from a family member before acting is always worth the pause.