The Growing Threat of Modern Scams – Protecting Our Elderly Loved Ones

*In collaboration with Chums

Today, I’m talking about a topic that is pretty scary for our elderly loved ones. The growing threat of modern scams. Unfortunately, as technology races ahead, so do fraudsters’ tactics. What used to be simple cold calls or dodgy emails have now evolved into something far more sinister and much harder to spot. With AI-generated deepfakes, voice cloning, and sophisticated fake websites, the growing threat of modern scams is now targeting some of the most vulnerable in our communities: people over 60.

This is something that’s been weighing on my mind a lot lately, especially thinking about my elderly mum and mother-in-law. They both still use landlines as their main way to stay in touch, and I know they get a lot of junk calls. It really worries me because sometimes they aren’t sure whether a call is genuine or not. The fear of accidentally falling for a scam is real, and it’s something too many families are dealing with now.

A New Kind of Scam

The scary part is that modern day scams look and sound incredibly real. Fraudsters are now using artificial intelligence to clone voices. Yes, actual voices of people you know! All it takes is a few seconds of audio grabbed from a video online or a voicemail, and they can generate a very convincing fake phone call. Imagine answering the phone and hearing what sounds like your grandchild or a friend asking for help with an emergency. It’s no wonder so many older people are falling for it. It sounds exactly like someone they love.

Deepfakes are another growing concern. These are videos that look completely real but are digitally manipulated to make someone appear to say or do something they didn’t. Scammers use them to impersonate celebrities or even pretend to be officials from trusted organisations. Fake websites are also on the rise, looking exactly like banks, government services, or even online shops, tricking people into handing over sensitive information.

Financial and Emotional Toll

The financial consequences of these scams can be devastating. A lifetime of savings can be wiped out in moments. But what’s often overlooked is the emotional impact. Victims are left feeling embarrassed, ashamed, and deeply shaken. They may become anxious, lose trust in others, or even withdraw from social activities because of the shame or fear that it could happen again.

For people like my mum and mother-in-law, who have grown up in a time where a voice on the phone could usually be trusted, this new digital world can feel very overwhelming and confusing. And it breaks my heart to think that one wrong phone call could cause them so much harm.

Tips To Help Prevent Scams

Thankfully, there are steps we can take to protect our loved ones:

• Educate and Talk Openly: Regular conversations about common scams can make a big difference. Explain that banks and government bodies will never ask for PINs or personal info over the phone.
• Encourage Call Screening: If they’re using landlines, consider a call blocker or encourage them to let unknown numbers go to voicemail. Scammers rarely leave messages.
• Be Wary of Urgency: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency. “You must act now!” Remind them to take their time and never be rushed into decisions.
• Set Up Two-Factor Authentication: On any accounts they use online, two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Encourage reporting any suspicious messages or calls. It helps track scam patterns and protect others.

How To Report Scams in the UK

If you or a loved one suspect a scam, here are some helpful places to report it:

• Action Fraud (UK’s national reporting centre): www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040
• Suspicious Emails: report@phishing.gov.uk
• Citizens Advice: 0808 223 1133 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk
• Your Bank: Contact them immediately if financial details have been shared.

As someone who worries every time the landline rings at my mum’s or mother-in-law’s house, I know how frightening and frustrating this can be. We can’t stop scammers from trying, but we can help our loved ones feel informed and protected.

Have you or someone you know experienced a scam attempt? Let’s help each other stay safe out there.