Fraud alert: Trusted family members, friends, and carers stole £51 million from pensioners

Older and vulnerable people are seeing millions of pounds stolen from them with the fraud committed by those closest to them, according to new figures released by the City of London Police, the national lead force for fraud.

Data from Report Fraud reveals that criminals stole £93.8 million through fraud by abuse of position during the 2025/26 financial year, with people aged 70 and over accounting for more than £51 million of those losses.

A total of 3,812 reports of fraud by abuse of position were made during the year. This type of fraud occurs when someone exploits a position of responsibility, authority, or trust to access and steal a victim's money, assets or property without lawful authority. Offenders are often family members, friends, carers, employees, or individuals entrusted to manage another person's finances or affairs.

The data shows older people are disproportionately affected. Victims aged 70 and over accounted for more than £51 million in reported losses, while those aged 80 to 89 suffered the highest number of reports and the highest financial losses of any age group, losing almost £24 million.

Analysis of Report Fraud data identified a number of common offending methods. Many cases involved family members or close friends abusing their position to gain access to a victim's finances, often by stealing bank cards, obtaining banking details or making unauthorised transfers from accounts they could access through regular contact with the victim. In some instances, offending continued after a victim's death, with relatives allegedly manipulating wills or other legal documents to gain control of estates, property, and financial assets.

The data also identified 764 reports involving the misuse of powers of attorney, resulting in reported losses of £34.6 million. These cases typically involved offenders exploiting a position of legal authority to control a victim's finances and make unauthorised withdrawals for personal gain. The offending was often linked to elderly or vulnerable victims who relied on trusted individuals to help manage their affairs.

There were also 444 reports involving social care workers abusing their position, with reported losses totalling £13.3 million. These cases commonly involved offenders gaining access to victims' bank cards, financial information or personal belongings while providing care and support.

The findings highlight how offenders can target people during periods of vulnerability, including ill health, cognitive decline and bereavement. During the reporting period, dementia was referenced in 337 reports and victims were described as vulnerable in 359 reports. The data also identified reports involving probate and allegations of wills or estates being manipulated for financial gain, demonstrating how offenders can exploit individuals and families at some of the most difficult points in their lives.

The City of London Police is encouraging anyone who supports an elderly relative, acts under a power of attorney, is involved in administering an estate, or works within the care sector to remain vigilant for signs of financial abuse. Most Abuse of Position reports made to the police come from family members of elderly or vulnerable people who rely on others for care and support with managing their finances.

We are encouraging organisations and members of the public to share the following guidance with patients, service users, and their family members:

What to do if you are a victim of fraud by abuse of position:

How to report it:

Report it to Report Fraud online or call 0300 123 2040. For more advice and to raise any concerns, contact the Office of the Public Guardian.

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