Avoiding Phone Scams: A Guide for Seniors

Common Phone Scam Warning Signs

The caller creates urgency

Scammers often try to pressure people into acting quickly.

Examples include:

• “Your bank account has been compromised”

• “Your internet will be disconnected”

• “You owe money immediately”

Legitimate organisations rarely pressure customers this way.

Requests for personal information

Never give out:

• bank details

• PIN numbers

• passwords

• one-time security codes

A genuine bank will never ask for your full password over the phone.

Fake parcel delivery scams

Some scammers pretend to be from:

• Royal Mail

• Evri

• Amazon

• DPD

They may ask for small payments or direct you to fake websites.

How Seniors Can Stay Safe

1. Hang up if unsure

It is always okay to end a suspicious call.

2. Call back using official numbers

Use numbers from:

• official websites

• bank cards

• official letters

3. Speak to family members

If something feels suspicious, talk to a trusted relative or friend before taking action.

4. Use scam call blockers

Apps such as Truecaller can help identify nuisance calls.

Common Scams Targeting Elderly People

Unfortunately, scammers often target older adults because they believe they may be:

• more trusting

• less familiar with technology

• living alone

Awareness is one of the best forms of protection.

Download Our Free Printable Scam Guide

Download our easy-to-read guide: “Avoiding Phone Scams” [Download PDF]