A major alert has been issued for recipients of the state pension across England, highlighting four prevalent scams that are actively targeting older people, particularly in the run-up to Christmas.
New research reveals that a staggering 24 per cent of adults – equivalent to one in four – encounter multiple scam attempts every single week. The study was conducted by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) alongside the fraud prevention service Cifas and financial software provider Tietoevry Banking.
The Vulnerable Generation: Why Scammers Target Pensioners
Jessica Hampson, CEO of CEL Solicitors, a legal firm specialising in helping scam victims recover funds, explained the heightened risk for retirees. "They are from a very trusting generation and were brought up to respect authority," she said. "So if someone is doing a bank impersonation scam and sounds quite authoritative, then they are more likely to listen and follow their guidance. Scammers know this and absolutely prey on that age range."
The Four Key Scams to Recognise and Avoid
1. Sophisticated Impersonation Scams
Sarah Lenette, a financial crime specialist at Starling Bank, warned that these frauds are becoming highly advanced. "Impersonation scams are when a fraudster poses as a person or business to make people believe they are speaking to the legitimate entity," she explained. Criminals may pretend to be a bank representative, a government official, or a business employee to steal personal information or money.
2. Emotionally Manipulative Family Scams
This cruel fraud involves scammers contacting victims via call or text, pretending to be a distressed family member in urgent need of money. "Your defences will naturally drop because it's a loved one and you think they're in need," noted Jessica Hampson. Sarah Lenette advised listening for warning signs like a flat tone of voice, unusual background noise, or unnatural pauses in conversation.
3. Deceptive Romance Fraud
Romance scams occur when criminals create fake online dating profiles to form relationships with the sole intent of extracting money. "If something about them or the conversation feels off, ask yourself questions," advised Lenette. Red flags include constant excuses to avoid meeting in person or having a video call, requests to keep the relationship secret, and a lack of presence on other social media platforms.
Hampson added that scammers often use convincing cover stories, such as pretending to be oil rig workers or doctors in developing countries. The fundamental rule, according to Lenette, is to never send money to someone you have never met in person.
4. Investment and Pension Scams
Often originating on platforms like Instagram, these scams promise high returns with minimal risk, frequently involving cryptocurrencies. "The fact that many people save for pensions means they can be a prime feeding ground for scammers," Lenette cautioned.
Jessica Hampson urged vigilance against unsolicited contacts who showcase unrealistically lavish lifestyles online. "Be really mindful if somebody just adds you out of the blue... and tells you that they made the money from a particular investment," she warned.
Staying Protected This Festive Season
Experts unanimously recommend taking a moment to pause and verify any unusual request for money or personal details. Speaking to a trusted friend or family member before making any financial decision is a crucial protective step. With fraud attempts at a peak during the winter months, awareness of these common tactics is the first and most powerful line of defence for state pensioners and all consumers.
