Scammers Are Increasingly Targeting Older People, Study Warns

A new study conducted by charity Re-engage and the University of Portsmouth has revealed that two out of three older individuals have fallen victim to scams in the past year, leading to heightened fear, depression, and, in some extreme cases, suicidal thoughts.

Scams Targeting Older People

The research, involving 1,177 participants, is one of the most extensive surveys of its kind, shedding light on the prevalent issue of scams targeting elderly people.

Of those surveyed, approximately one-fifth reported weekly attempts to defraud them, with 40% experiencing illegal approaches every month. The primary mode of these scams is telephonic, including landline, mobile, and text-based methods.

This alarming trend has prompted Re-engage, a charity dedicated to combating loneliness and isolation among individuals aged 75 and over, to call for immediate action.

The research emphasizes that 50% of the older population surveyed do not use the internet, and 70% never engage in online banking, citing concerns about potential hacking of their computers or accounts as a major worry.

Most participants, around 80%, live alone, and over three-quarters are women. Re-engage advocates for comprehensive training for professionals, including doctors, social workers, and bank staff, to recognize signs of vulnerability to scams among older individuals.

Additionally, the charity is urging the government and other relevant bodies to allocate funding for high-quality call blockers designed to protect older people from such scams.

Emotional Toll of Scams

Laura Joplin, head of impact at Re-engage, expressed concern about the emotional impact of these scams on older individuals, saying, "The scale of intimidation and fear unleashed on older people by these scams and frauds is really shocking,"

She added that "it is causing tremendous distress, and "many of those we spoke to are simply too terrified to answer the phone because it might be someone trying to steal their money. "

"This contributes to their feelings of isolation which in turn damages their quality of life. Urgent action is needed to give them the proper level of protection so they are no longer held hostage by a cascade of incessant scams and can feel safe and secure in their own homes," Joplin noted.

Professor Mark Button, co-director of the Centre for Cybercrime and Economic Crime at the University of Portsmouth, highlighted the underreporting of scams due to the associated stigma and the lack of advice received by victims. Button emphasized the need for increased awareness of the issue.

One of the narratives shared by interviewees included an 80-year-old woman sharing her feelings of insecurity and a sense of being unsafe in her residence due to fraudulent phone calls and messages.

Another individual, who is disabled, revealed the emotional burden caused by the continuous harassment of distressing scam calls. The study underlines the urgency of addressing this issue, protecting older individuals from scams, and raising awareness to prevent further victimization.