Is someone scamming the person you care for?
I've worked as a carer, so I know how much you already carry. I also know you're often the first person to notice when something isn't right, including when a scammer has got in touch. Scammers target people who are at home a lot, polite on the phone and sometimes lonely. Some scams take one call. Others build up over weeks, with a new "friend" who seems to really care. This page brings together the guides I'd want a carer to read first.
Warning signs to look out for
• Secretive phone calls, or getting anxious when the phone rings • A new friend or "helper" you've never met • Sudden money worries, or bills and debts you didn't know about • Unusual post, parcels or gift cards arriving • Being asked for cash, or to help buy vouchers • Being told to keep something secret How to raise it Pick a calm moment and start from care, not blame. "Is everything alright? You've seemed a bit on edge" goes down far better than "Have you been scammed?" Make it clear they're not in trouble. Scammers fool clever people every day. Start here • How Do I Help an Older Parent Stay Safe Online? • Is This Text a Scam? How to Spot Fake Texts in the UK • How to Protect Your Family from AI Voice Clone Scams • How I Check a Charity Appeal Is Genuine Before I Give • What Should You Do the Moment You Suspect a Scam? • Where Do You Report a Scam in the UK? Look after yourself too Carers get targeted as well, especially when they're tired and busy. The same rule applies to you: if a call, text or email rushes you to pay or share details, stop and check. Free checklist One page of checks to keep by the phone or on the fridge. Get the free safety checklist. Ask before you act Not sure about a message? Ask in my free Facebook group, Scam Check UK. Who to call • If money has gone, call the bank straight away on the number on the back of the card, or call 159. • Report it to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040. • Forward scam texts to 7726. It's free. • If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. Want the bigger picture? My book, Spot the Scam, walks through the ten cons most likely to catch people out.