Scam Safety for Carers
Guidance for carers helping the people they support stay safe from scams — balancing protection with dignity and autonomy.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Carers are often uniquely placed to notice the early signs of a scam and to put practical protections in place. At the same time, the people carers support have the right to privacy, independence, and to make their own decisions wherever possible. This guide is about helping carers navigate that balance — protecting the people they support from financial harm without crossing into surveillance or paternalism.
Your role as a carer in scam prevention
Carers can spot warning signs that a family member might not see, and can help put gentle protections in place — but the starting point is always the supported person's wellbeing and dignity.
- Look out for unusual post, unexpected callers, or changes in financial behaviour
- Raise concerns with the person's family or key workers as appropriate
- Never access financial accounts without clear authorisation
- Document concerns through the appropriate channels in your organisation
Common scams affecting people carers support
Doorstep callers, phone scams, fake competitions, and romance scams all disproportionately affect people who may be isolated, lonely, or cognitively vulnerable.
- Doorstep callers targeting people who may answer the door alone
- Phone scams relying on trust and compliance
- Fake competition or prize letters, often arriving by post
- Online or phone 'friendship' scams targeting loneliness
Practical steps carers can take
Within your role and with appropriate authorisation, these steps reduce exposure.
- Help register the person with the Telephone Preference Service
- Note and report unexpected callers or requests for money
- Encourage a 'pause and check with family' habit for unexpected financial requests
- Alert family or a key worker if financial behaviour changes significantly
When to escalate a concern
If you believe someone is being financially exploited, escalate through your organisation's safeguarding process promptly. Scam exploitation can be a form of financial abuse.
- Use your organisation's safeguarding pathway
- Contact your local adult social care safeguarding team if appropriate
- Keep clear, dated notes of any concerns observed
Frequently asked questions
Can I contact someone's bank on their behalf?
Generally only if you hold formal authorisation such as Power of Attorney or a third-party mandate. If you have serious concerns about financial exploitation, contact your safeguarding lead — they can advise on the correct process for involving the bank.
The person I support insists on engaging with what I believe is a scam — what do I do?
Respect their autonomy while documenting your concerns clearly. Raise it with your supervisor or through the safeguarding process. In cases of significant financial risk to someone who may lack capacity, adult social care or the Court of Protection may be able to intervene.
Am I responsible if someone I care for is scammed?
Carers are not financially responsible for the choices of the people they support, but professional carers have a duty of care. If you noticed and reported warning signs through the correct channels, you have fulfilled your professional responsibility.