Scam Warning Signs in Older Adults
Recognise the behavioural and financial signs that an older relative may be targeted by a scam.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sometimes the first clue that someone is being scammed is a change in behaviour or finances. Knowing the warning signs helps you step in supportively before losses grow.
Behavioural signs
Because many scams rely on secrecy and manufactured urgency, they tend to change how a person acts before you ever see a financial statement. Watch for new secrecy around phone calls or the computer, such as taking calls in another room or becoming defensive when asked who they were speaking to. Sudden anxiety, distraction, or unusual excitement about a 'winnings' notification can signal an active scam in progress. A new reluctance to discuss finances, or repeating talking points that sound rehearsed — like insisting a caller was 'definitely' from the bank — are also worth gently asking about. These signs are easiest to catch through regular, relaxed contact rather than occasional check-ins.
- Secrecy about phone calls, messages, or finances
- New urgency around money or 'opportunities'
- Becoming defensive or withdrawn when asked
- A new 'friend', 'partner', or 'adviser' they won't discuss
Financial signs
Financial red flags are often easier to confirm than behavioural ones if you have any visibility into accounts, even limited visibility such as being a named contact with the bank. Watch for unusual cash withdrawals, wire transfers to unfamiliar recipients, or purchases of gift cards in round numbers, which is a near-universal sign of scam payment since gift cards are used almost exclusively by criminals for this purpose. New unpaid bills despite a stable income can mean money is being diverted elsewhere. So can unfamiliar names appearing as authorised users or beneficiaries, or a sudden reluctance to let you see statements that used to be shared openly. Any one sign alone may be innocent, but several together deserve a direct, gentle conversation.
- Unexplained withdrawals or transfers
- Buying gift cards in unusual amounts
- New 'investments' they can't explain
- Letters or calls about debts, fines, or prizes
Frequently asked questions
What if they deny anything is wrong?
Denial is common, partly due to manipulation and shame. Stay supportive, avoid confrontation, and keep the door open. Focus on practical safety nets and let them know you're there without judgement.