Scams are a part of everyday life and we are all potentially vulnerable to them. However, with a little care and knowledge, we can all keep safe from them. Here’s a detailed guide which covers most potential scams. It’s based on the excellent Little Book of Big Scams published by West Yorkshire police.
1. Why scammers target older people
Criminals play on trust, politeness and fear. They may pretend to be from the bank, the police, the council or a familiar company. They often put people under pressure — saying things like “you must act now” or “you’ll lose thousands unless you do this immediately.”
This tactic is known as social engineering: manipulating emotions to make someone act without thinking. Knowing this makes it easier to spot fraudulent behaviour.
A good rule for all suspicious contacts is: Stop. Challenge. Protect.
- Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
- Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
- Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.
This is part of the national Take Five campaign, which you can read more about in the Little Book of Big Scams.
2. Common scams affecting older people in West Yorkshire
Below are the scams that West Yorkshire Police see most often, along with simple ways to stay safe.
Doorstep scams
Fraudsters knock on your door offering gardening, roofing, driveway repairs or other services. They may pretend they’ve spotted an urgent problem or that they’re working on a neighbour’s home. Often, the work is unnecessary, overpriced, low-quality or not done at all.
How to protect yourself:
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Never agree to work from an unexpected doorstep caller.
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Never pay upfront.
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Always ask for ID — and check it using a phone number from the company’s website, not the card in their hand.
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If pressured, simply close the door. Genuine professionals do not mind waiting.
Banking and “safe account” scams
A common phone scam involves someone claiming to be from your bank or the police, warning of fraudulent activity and saying your money must be moved to a “safe account.” This is always a scam. Banks never ask you to transfer money, share your PIN, or hand over your card.
How to protect yourself:
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Hang up immediately and call your bank using the number on your card.
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Use a different phone line if possible, or wait several minutes before redialling (despite ending the call on your phone, you may unwittingly re-connect with the scam caller if they haven’t ended the call at their end).
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Never transfer money unless you know exactly who you are sending it to.
Computer, email and online scams
Criminals may phone you claiming there is a problem with your computer, broadband, Amazon account or TV package. They often pretend to be from Microsoft, Sky, BT or similar companies.
They may ask you to install “remote access software” which allows them to view everything on your computer and even access online banking.
How to protect yourself:
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Genuine companies will never cold-call about computer problems.
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Never allow remote access.
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If in doubt, hang up and contact your provider using their official website.
Romance scams
Romance fraud has grown significantly. Scammers create fake profiles on dating websites or social media. They quickly express love or affection, then invent emergencies requiring money — for flights, medical costs, visas or business problems.
How to protect yourself:
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Keep all contact on the dating website or app and never share your phone number or email address
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Never send money to someone you haven’t met.
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Talk to a friend or family member if something feels “off.”
Online shopping and holiday scams
Fraudsters advertise bargain holidays, vehicles, concert tickets or goods that don’t exist. They often encourage you to move off a reputable site and pay by bank transfer — after which you can lose all protection.
How to protect yourself:
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Stay on the original website (eBay, Airbnb, AutoTrader, etc.).
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Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true.
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When booking holidays, check ABTA or ATOL membership numbers.
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Pay by credit card where possible for Section 75 protection (legally, credit card providers are jointly liable with retailers for goods or services that are faulty, not delivered, or misrepresented)
Scam mail
Letters arrive claiming you’ve won a competition, prize draw or lottery. They address you personally to build trust, but always ask for an upfront fee to receive the “prize”.
How to protect yourself:
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You cannot win a prize for a competition you didn’t enter.
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Never send money in response to unexpected letters.
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Ask family or a trusted friend to help check suspicious mail.
Identity fraud
Criminals use stolen personal information — such as your address, date of birth, bank details or National Insurance number — to open accounts or take out credit in your name.
How to protect yourself:
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Shred or securely destroy documents with personal information.
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Use strong passwords made of three random words (e.g., RiverLampGarden).
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Install updates and antivirus software.
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Never share security codes or passwords, even if someone claims to be from your bank.
3. Three golden rules to remember
1. Take a moment — don’t be rushed
Scammers rely on panic. Real companies will never ask you to act immediately.
2. Never share your PIN, passwords or security codes
No bank, police officer or official organisation will ask for these.
3. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
This message appears throughout the West Yorkshire Police guide — because it is one of the most reliable warning signs of fraud .
4. What to do if you think you’ve been scammed
If you or someone you care about falls victim to fraud, you are not alone. Scammers target thousands of people every year, and support is available.
Act quickly
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Contact your bank immediately using the number on your card.
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Report the scam to Action Fraud:
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Website: actionfraud.police.uk
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Phone: 0300 123 2040
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If the scammer is still nearby or you feel threatened, call 999.
Where to get help locally
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West Yorkshire Police – Fraud & Cyber Crime pages offer up-to-date advice.
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Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 0808 223 1133
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Age UK: 0800 169 8787
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Victim Support: 0333 300 7150
5. Helping older relatives stay safe
If you are supporting an older person in your family or community:
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Make sure they know never to give out personal details.
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Register their phone number with the Telephone Preference Service to reduce unsolicited calls.
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Encourage them to share concerns openly — scammers often tell victims to “keep it secret”.
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Help them check privacy settings on social media, email and devices.
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Remind them regularly that asking for a second opinion is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength.
6. Final message
Scams can happen to anyone, and no one should feel ashamed if they’re targeted. By staying alert, taking a moment before reacting, and knowing where to get help, you can dramatically reduce the risk.
At Bluebird Care, we are committed to helping our community stay safe. Please share this guide with friends, relatives and neighbours. A single conversation can prevent a scam — and protect someone’s savings, wellbeing and confidence.
