How to Safeguard Against Cybercrime and Scams - Home Instead Richmond's Guide

In today’s digital age, cybercrime and scams are becoming increasingly prevalent, targeting individuals and businesses alike. At Home Instead Richmond, we’re committed to helping our clients and their families stay safe from these threats. This blog aims to provide valuable insights and practical steps to protect against cybercrime and scams.

Every 40 seconds, an older person in England and Wales becomes a victim of fraud, according to official crime figures. Age UK’s analysis of the Crime Survey for England and Wales found that reported fraud incidents had increased by 17 percent in a year to 3.8 million. People are now nearly three times more likely to be a victim of fraud than to be burgled and nearly 19 times more likely than to be mugged.

How to Avoid Becoming a Statistic

Being scammed can damage anyone’s confidence and well-being, but when an older adult is scammed, it can have an especially devastating effect.

Professor Keith Brown of Bournemouth University, an expert on scams, says: “People who are defrauded of their life savings often feel badly violated and lose their confidence to live in the community. If someone has been conned, they often lose the confidence to maintain themselves at home and thus they end up in residential care as they are simply too afraid to remain at home.”

Being Scammed

Being scammed doesn’t only affect the victim. It has a detrimental knock-on effect on communities and families. Brown believes family and relatives are also badly affected: “The family feel terrible because they’ve not been able to protect their loved one from being conned. This is a cycle of pain and grief. Trying to stop it is critical.”

Getting Help if Scammed

If you or a loved one has fallen victim to a scam, swift action is crucial:

1. Change Passwords: Immediately update all passwords. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
2. Inform the Bank: Contact your bank to secure accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.
3. Stop Unwanted Mail and Callers: Consider placing a “No Junk Mail” or “No Cold Callers” sign on your door to prevent unexpected visitors.

For additional support, visit Citizens Advice or the National Cyber Security Centre for comprehensive guidance.

Financial and Emotional Impact of Scams

The financial cost of scams can be substantial. According to recent statistics, online shopping fraud alone cost victims £63.8 million in the UK. Cybercrime cost UK businesses an estimated £21 billion per year, with the average cost of a cyber-attack to a UK business being £10,830. These figures highlight the significant financial threat posed by cybercrime​​.

The emotional toll can be equally devastating. Sadly, it can lead to a loss of confidence and independence. People are often embarrassed to report they’ve been scammed and feel ashamed to have become victims. They become increasingly frail and prone to accidents and infections, often deteriorating rapidly and needing 24-hour care.

At Home Instead Richmond, we’ve seen first-hand the emotional impact scams can have on our clients. Our Care Professionals are trained to provide support and companionship, helping to mitigate these effects.

Conclusion

Cybercrime and scams are serious threats that require constant vigilance. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from these dangers. At Home Instead Richmond, we’re dedicated to supporting our clients in navigating these challenges. If you need assistance or have any concerns, please reach out to us. Together, we can create a safer environment for everyone.

For more information and updates, follow us on social media and stay tuned to our blogs. Let’s work together to combat cybercrime and scams.