The scams targeting older people across the UK, in plain English, with exactly what to do about each one. This is the kind of thing we help your parents stay ahead of.
Last updated 29 May 2026
Scammers now use AI to copy a relative's voice and call in a panic, claiming an accident or arrest and begging for money before there's time to think.
What to do: Agree a family safe-word in advance. If a "relative" calls in distress, ask for it. Then hang up and call them back on their normal number.
Source: NCSC
A text says you owe a small toll, parking charge or DVLA fine, with a tight deadline and the threat of extra costs, linking to a payment page that looks official but isn't.
What to do: Don't tap the link or call the number in the text. Go to the official website yourself. Forward the message to 7726, then delete it.
Source: Action Fraud
Someone rings pretending to be from your bank or the police, says your money is at risk, and pressures you to move it to a "safe account" or hand cash to a courier to protect it.
What to do: Hang up. Your real bank will never ask you to move money or hand over cash. Wait five minutes, then call back on the number printed on your card.
Source: Take Five to Stop Fraud
A text or email pretends to be Royal Mail, DPD or Evri, claiming your parcel needs a small fee or a new delivery slot, with a link to a convincing fake payment page.
What to do: Never pay or enter card details from a link in a message. Check directly in the courier's own app or website. Forward scam texts to 7726.
Source: Action Fraud
A message from an unknown number says "Hi Mum, I've lost my phone and this is my new number," then quickly asks for help paying an urgent bill.
What to do: Call your son or daughter on their usual number to check it's really them. Never send money or pay a bill based on a text from a new number.
Source: Action Fraud
A call, text or email claims you're owed a tax refund and just need to confirm your details to receive it. HMRC has warned reports of this are increasing.
What to do: HMRC never sends a link to claim a refund. Check your tax account on GOV.UK. Report scam texts to 7726 and emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
Source: HMRC
An online partner builds a relationship over weeks or months, then needs money for an emergency, a flight, or a once-in-a-lifetime investment. It often targets people who are widowed or lonely.
What to do: Never send money to someone you haven't met in person, however real it feels. Search their photos online, and talk it through with family first.
Source: Action Fraud
A polished website or a friendly "broker" promises high, guaranteed returns, often in crypto, and calls regularly to build trust before asking for more money.
What to do: Check the firm and the offer on the FCA's ScamSmart before paying anything. Guaranteed returns don't exist, and an unauthorised firm can't legally sell you investments.
Source: FCA ScamSmart
Adverts on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube use a fake or AI-cloned celebrity, such as Martin Lewis or Elon Musk, to promote an unmissable investment. Click through and a pushy 'advisor' rushes you into depositing money.
What to do: No genuine celebrity endorses get-rich schemes in social-media ads, and Martin Lewis has said he never does adverts. Don't click, and check any firm on the FCA's ScamSmart before parting with a penny.
Source: FCA ScamSmart
After a "bank" or "police" call about a compromised card, a courier is sent to your door to collect your card, cash or PIN. One UK victim lost £80,000 this way.
What to do: The police and your bank will never send someone to collect your card or cash, and never ask for your PIN. Hang up and call 101 or your bank on the number on your card.
Source: Suffolk Police
A pop-up or a caller claiming to be Microsoft, Apple or your broadband provider says your computer is infected, then asks to take remote control to fix it.
What to do: No real tech company calls out of the blue about a virus. Never install remote-access software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer for someone who contacted you. Hang up.
Source: NCSC
You're pressured to settle a fine, fee or debt using gift cards or vouchers (Amazon, iTunes), reading the codes out over the phone.
What to do: No real organisation is ever paid in gift cards. The moment someone asks, it's a scam. Stop and call a relative before doing anything.
Source: Citizens Advice
An unexpected call or text offers a free pension review, early access to your pension, or a transfer you mustn't miss. Cold-calling about pensions is banned in the UK.
What to do: Hang up on any unexpected pension offer, it's illegal to cold-call about pensions. Get free, independent guidance from MoneyHelper before moving anything.
Source: FCA ScamSmart
Someone knocks offering urgent roof, driveway or gardening work, then massively overcharges. One elderly woman was charged £4,000 to trim two trees.
What to do: Never agree to work or pay on the doorstep. Say no, close the door, and get written quotes from trusted local firms in your own time.
Source: Trading Standards
A text offers an energy rebate, council tax refund or cost-of-living payment if you apply through a link, which exists only to harvest your bank details.
What to do: Real rebates are paid automatically or applied for on GOV.UK, never through a text link. Don't enter your bank details. Forward the text to 7726.
Source: Ofgem
After someone has been scammed, a new contact claims they can get the lost money back for an upfront fee. It's a second scam, deliberately targeting people who've already been hurt.
What to do: Never pay upfront to recover lost money. Report the original scam to Action Fraud for free. No genuine service guarantees recovery for a fee.
Source: Action Fraud
Your bank or the police will never ask you to move money to a “safe account”, withdraw cash, or keep something secret from your family.
If a call feels urgent, hang up. Wait five minutes and call back on a number you trust, ideally from a different phone.
No real organisation is ever paid in gift cards.
Never give card details, PINs, or photos of your cards or ID to anyone who contacted you.
Agree a family safe-word. If “a relative” rings in distress asking for money, ask for the word first.
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