How to Help Older People Avoid Scams in Marlborough & Test Valley
Practical scam awareness advice for older people and families in Marlborough, Devizes and Test Valley, plus details of free local community talks.
How to Help Older People Avoid Scams in Marlborough & Test Valley
Scams can arrive by phone, text, email, post, online or even at the front door. They can also be very convincing, which is why talking openly about scams can help older people and their families feel more confident about spotting something that does not seem right.
Our Home Instead Marlborough & Test Valley team recently spent a wonderful morning at the Almshouses in Devizes, meeting residents and members of the local community for a free Scam Awareness talk.
The session was a chance to share practical advice, answer questions and encourage conversations that can continue at home with family, friends and neighbours.
Why is scam awareness important for older people?
Anyone can become a victim of fraud, but scammers often rely on urgency, fear or trust to persuade someone to act quickly.
A person may be told their bank account is at risk, that they have missed a delivery, that they owe money or that a family member needs urgent financial help. One of the simplest messages to remember is: stop, check and do not feel pressured to act immediately.
If a caller or message claims to be from a bank, company or public body, contact that organisation independently using a trusted phone number or its official website.
The National Cyber Security Centre also provides practical guidance on what to do if you receive a suspicious email, text message, website or phone call.
Common scams families should look out for
Scams are constantly changing, but common examples include:
– Calls claiming to be from a bank, police or trusted organisation
– Fake parcel delivery or payment messages
– Emails or texts asking for personal or banking details
– Doorstep callers offering unnecessary work or services-
– Urgent requests to transfer money
– Investment, prize or shopping scams
– Someone pretending to be a family member
– Friendship or romance scams where trust is built before money is requested
A genuine organisation should not pressure someone into making an immediate financial decision.
How can you tell if an older relative may have been targeted?
Sometimes the first sign is a change in behaviour rather than the scam itself.
You may notice unusual payments or withdrawals, unexpected parcels, frequent calls from unknown numbers, unpaid bills or increased anxiety around money.
Someone may also become secretive about conversations, mention a new online contact or seem worried after receiving calls or messages.
Try to approach the subject calmly. Scams are designed to deceive people, and embarrassment can make it harder for someone to ask for help.
How can families help an older person avoid scams?
Regular conversations can make a real difference.
Encourage your relative to take their time before making payments or sharing information. It can also help to agree that unexpected requests for money will be checked with a trusted person first.
Other simple steps include:
– Avoiding suspicious links
– Never sharing PINs or passwords
– Checking phone and device security settings
– Ignoring pressure to act quickly
– Agreeing who to contact if something feels unusual
For someone receiving support at home, regular contact with family, friends and familiar Care Professionals can also mean unusual calls, letters or behaviour are noticed sooner.
What should you do if someone has been scammed?
If money or banking information may have been compromised, contact the person’s bank as soon as possible.
Fraud and cybercrime can also be reported to Report Fraud, the national fraud reporting service for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. If there is an immediate risk of harm, contact the emergency services.
Free Scam Awareness talks in Marlborough, Devizes and Test Valley
Following our recent session at the Almshouses in Devizes, Home Instead Marlborough & Test Valley continues to offer free talks on Scam Awareness and Understanding Dementia for local groups.
If you are involved with a community group, club, village organisation or local network in Marlborough, Devizes, Test Valley or the surrounding area, we would love to hear from you.
Contact the Home Instead Marlborough & Test Valley team to find out more.
Frequently asked questions
What should an older person do if they receive a suspicious call?
End the call, do not share personal or banking information, and contact the organisation independently using a trusted number.
Who should I contact if I think a relative has been scammed?
Contact their bank quickly if money or account details are involved, and report the incident through Report Fraud.
Does Home Instead offer Scam Awareness talks locally?
Yes. Home Instead Marlborough & Test Valley offers free Scam Awareness and Understanding Dementia talks for local community groups.