Scam ALERT

Every year, the British public loses billions of pounds to fraudsters. In the UK, fraud makes up 41% of all crime 

With scams ranging from the simplest confidence trick to the most sophisticated high-tech online fraud.

What is Fraud? 

Fraud is when a person lies to you, or ‘scams’ you, to gain an advantage, such as taking your money or learning private information about you.

This could be via email, text, phone or in person, either on the street or on your doorstep. 

Some adults may be especially vulnerable to fraud and financial abuse.

You may already know some of the tricks they use, but the rise of the internet means new ones are being invented all the time, and huge amounts of money can be taken. Whether it’s dating fraud, banking fraud, identity theft or even people knocking on your door

Whether it’s unsolicited phone calls offering special offers, dating fraud, banking fraud, identity theft or even people knocking on your door.

Fraudster ‘groom’ their victims. They try to gain trust by giving compliments, making people feel like they owe them something, and trying to separate them from their friends and family. This makes it easier for them to control their victims, who often feel like they have to go along with what the groomer wants. 

The way fraudsters talk and act is a lot like how abusers or groomers behave—they use similar tricks to get what they want.

Look out for the signs

If you have an elderly relative or know someone who could have become a victim of fraud, look out for the signs: