Scam Warning Signs in Older Adults
Recognise the behavioural and financial signs that an older relative may be targeted by a scam.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sometimes the first clue that an older relative is being scammed isn't a bank statement — it's a change in mood, routine, or how they talk about money. Scams are built on secrecy, so the signs are often subtle: guarded phone calls, a new 'adviser' or online friend, unexplained worry about bills. No single sign proves anything, and jumping to accusations usually backfires. This guide sets out the behavioural and financial patterns worth noticing, how to raise them gently, and how to step in supportively before losses grow.
Behavioural signs
Because many scams rely on secrecy and manufactured urgency, they tend to change how a person acts before you ever see a financial statement. Watch for new secrecy around phone calls or the computer, such as taking calls in another room or becoming defensive when asked who they were speaking to. Sudden anxiety, distraction, or unusual excitement about a 'winnings' notification can signal an active scam in progress. A new reluctance to discuss finances, or repeating talking points that sound rehearsed — like insisting a caller was 'definitely' from the bank — are also worth gently asking about. These signs are easiest to catch through regular, relaxed contact rather than occasional check-ins.
- Secrecy about phone calls, messages, or finances
- New urgency around money or 'opportunities'
- Becoming defensive or withdrawn when asked
- A new 'friend', 'partner', or 'adviser' they won't discuss
Financial signs
Financial red flags are often easier to confirm than behavioural ones if you have any visibility into accounts, even limited visibility such as being a named contact with the bank. Watch for unusual cash withdrawals, wire transfers to unfamiliar recipients, or purchases of gift cards in round numbers, which is a near-universal sign of scam payment since gift cards are used almost exclusively by criminals for this purpose. New unpaid bills despite a stable income can mean money is being diverted elsewhere. So can unfamiliar names appearing as authorised users or beneficiaries, or a sudden reluctance to let you see statements that used to be shared openly. Any one sign alone may be innocent, but several together deserve a direct, gentle conversation.
- Unexplained withdrawals or transfers
- Buying gift cards in unusual amounts
- New 'investments' they can't explain
- Letters or calls about debts, fines, or prizes
How to raise it once you notice something
Spotting a warning sign is only useful if you can raise it without triggering denial, so plan the approach before you speak. Choose a relaxed, private moment — not right after a worrying discovery — and open with curiosity rather than conclusions: 'You mentioned an adviser helping you with an investment. How did you two get connected?' Let them talk, and resist correcting details even if the story sounds rehearsed. If concern grows, ask for one small, concrete step instead of a confession: 'Would you be happy to pause any payments for a week while we check it together?' A pause is easier to agree to than admitting a scam, and it buys time for doubt to surface. If they refuse and money is clearly moving, contact their bank's vulnerable-customer or fraud team yourself; banks can often add checks even when the account holder is still convinced.
- Pick a calm, private moment — never mid-crisis
- Open with curious questions, not conclusions
- Ask for a small step: a short pause on payments, checked together
- Don't argue with rehearsed details — let doubt surface on its own
- If money is moving, alert their bank's fraud or vulnerable-customer team
Frequently asked questions
What if they deny anything is wrong?
Denial is common, partly due to manipulation and shame. Stay supportive, avoid confrontation, and keep the door open. Focus on practical safety nets and let them know you're there without judgement.