As we age, staying safe means more than just locking the front door, it also means protecting yourself from increasingly clever scams. Sadly, fraudsters often target older people, knowing they may be less tech-savvy or more trusting.
That’s why I created a simple, shareable guide for my own parents and now, I’m sharing it here for anyone who might benefit.
Here are 5 of the most common scams targeting UK retirees, how they work, and how to protect yourself.
1. The “Grandchild in Trouble” Scam
How it works:
You get a frantic phone call from someone pretending to be your grandchild. They claim they’re in serious trouble (arrested, injured, stranded abroad) and beg you to send money urgently. They’ll often insist you don’t tell anyone.
Red flag:
Urgency and secrecy. They want to panic you into sending money before you can verify the story.
What to do:
Hang up and call your grandchild or their parents using the number you already have. Never send money without verifying the situation.
2. The “Tech Support” Scam
How it works:
You see a scary pop-up or get a call claiming your computer is infected. The “tech support” person tells you to give them remote access so they can fix it.
Red flag:
Microsoft, Apple, or BT will never call you out of the blue or ask for remote access.
What to do:
Shut down your computer or hang up the phone. Don’t click anything and never let someone control your computer unless you’ve contacted a verified technician.
3. The “Government Imposter” Scam (HMRC, DWP, etc.)
How it works:
You receive a threatening call claiming you owe back taxes or that your National Insurance number was used in a crime. You’re told to pay immediately (often by bank transfer or gift card) or face arrest.
Red flag:
Government agencies do not make threats over the phone, and they never ask for payment via gift cards.
What to do:
Hang up immediately. If unsure, look up the official contact number yourself and call to verify.
4. The “You’ve Won a Prize!” Scam
How it works:
You’re told you’ve won a car, a holiday, or a large sum of money, but you need to pay a small “processing fee” first.
Red flag:
If you didn’t enter a contest, you didn’t win. No legitimate prize requires upfront payment.
What to do:
Ignore the message or letter. Never pay to claim a prize.
5. The “Romance” Scam
How it works:
A scammer creates a fake profile on a dating site or Facebook. Over time, they build trust, then ask for money due to a sudden emergency.
Red flag:
They won’t meet in person or video call, and they quickly ask for money or gifts.
What to do:
Be cautious with online relationships. Don’t send money to someone you haven’t met. Talk to a family member if you’re unsure.
🛡️ Golden Rules to Stay Safe
- If it feels urgent, slow down. Scammers want you to panic.
- Never pay with gift cards. No genuine organisation does this.
- Hang up, block, delete — and check with a loved one.
Final thoughts
Scammers are smart, but you can be smarter. Keep this guide somewhere visible. If you’re not sure about something, ask a family member before acting.
We’ll continue adding resources like this in our free retirement tools & help section. You can also join our forum to share your own scam warnings or ask questions.
