How To Support an Elderly Scam Victim
How to help an older person who has been scammed — practically, emotionally, and safely.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
First 10 minutes
- Listen without judgement — avoid reactions that could make them feel ashamed
- Help them stop any ongoing contact or payments immediately
- If money was recently sent, help them call their bank right away
- Stay with them and take notes as they recall what happened
- Reassure them: being targeted is not a sign of poor judgement, and reporting is the right move
First 24 hours
- Help them preserve evidence: screenshots, messages, receipts, and call logs
- Help them report to the bank and national fraud service
- Check whether identity documents or personal data were shared
- Alert other trusted family members or carers if appropriate
- Consider whether the scammer may attempt to contact them again and help set up call-blocking
Contact your bank or payment provider
- Help them contact their bank using the number on their card, not a number from the scammer
- Accompany them in person if that is more comfortable
- Ask the bank about safeguarding options and transaction monitoring for vulnerable customers
- Check whether any accounts need additional protection or new cards
Evidence to preserve
- Document what happened in the victim's own words
- Collect messages, emails, receipts, and any paperwork from the scammer
- Note the contact methods used and any names, numbers, or organisations claimed
- Save any gift cards or packaging with serial numbers
Secure your accounts and devices
- Help them change passwords on affected accounts
- Enable caller ID and call-blocking on their phone
- Register with the telephone preference service (UK) or Do Not Call registry (US) to reduce cold calls
- Review any power of attorney or financial arrangements if capacity is a concern
- Set up transaction alerts so unusual activity is noticed quickly
Report it
- Report to your national fraud or cybercrime service
- Report to any platform or service used by the scammer
- Consider reporting to adult safeguarding services if ongoing vulnerability is a concern
- Keep all reference numbers
Older adults are disproportionately targeted by scammers, partly because they may be less familiar with digital fraud tactics, and partly because they are more likely to have savings and to be polite to unsolicited callers. A scam can cause deep distress — loss of savings, loss of confidence, and a fear of being seen as incapable.
The most important thing a family member or carer can do is respond with patience and without blame. Scams succeed because they are designed by professionals to deceive people. The victim is not at fault.
Once the immediate practical steps are handled — stopping payments, contacting the bank, preserving evidence — focus on emotional recovery too. Many victims do not tell family for fear of embarrassment. Knowing they are supported and not judged makes reporting and recovery far more likely.
If you are concerned about ongoing vulnerability, speak to adult social services or a safeguarding team. There are also specialist support services for older fraud victims worth looking up in your area.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell a family member they have been scammed without making them feel bad?
Lead with support, not judgement. Phrases like 'this happens to a lot of people' and 'the important thing is what we do next' help. Avoid asking why they didn't tell you sooner.
Should I take over their finances to protect them?
Removing financial control entirely should only happen where there is a genuine capacity concern, through appropriate legal channels. In most cases, putting safeguards in place — transaction alerts, call-blocking, a trusted contact at the bank — is a more proportionate response.
The scammer has their phone number — how do I stop further calls?
Help them enable call-blocking, register with the Do Not Call list or equivalent, and consider a phone that allows known-contacts-only calls. Report the number to the fraud service.
They gave the scammer their address — what should I do?
Document it as part of the evidence, report it to the fraud service, and monitor for any unexpected post, visitors, or follow-up contacts. In rare cases, a physical visit by the scammer is a risk worth mentioning to local police.
Where can I find specialist support for elderly scam victims?
In the UK, Age UK and Citizens Advice offer specialist support. In the US, the National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-FRAUD-11) and AARP Fraud Watch Network provide help. Search for your country's equivalent services.