At GoodOaks Homecare Wimbledon and Kingston, we see every day how important it is to protect not just physical wellbeing, but emotional and financial wellbeing too. That’s why, during Citizens Advice Scam Awareness Week (October 20th – 2nd November), we’re joining others across the country to raise awareness and share practical ways to stay safe.
Why Scammers Target Older Adults
Many scams are designed to play on trust, fear, or loneliness. Older people – especially those living alone or less familiar with new technology – can be more vulnerable to these tactics.
But this isn’t about weakness. It’s about education and awareness – because the truth is, anyone can be caught off guard by a convincing scam.
Common reasons older people may be more at risk include:
- Feeling isolated and more open to conversation from strangers
- Managing finances independently
- Memory loss or confusion caused by health conditions such as dementia
- Limited experience with online systems or digital banking
Beyond financial loss, scams can cause deep emotional distress – from embarrassment and worry, to a loss of trust in others.
Spotting a Scam: What to Look Out For
Scams come in many forms – and they’re getting harder to recognise. Here are a few we often hear about from local families and clients:
- Unexpected phone calls or emails claiming to be from a bank, the NHS, or HMRC
- People knocking on doors offering home repairs, or collecting for charity
- Text messages asking for unpaid bills, missed deliveries, or refunds
- Online “friends” or “romantic interests” asking for help or money
- Investment opportunities that promise unusually high returns
A simple rule of thumb: if it feels rushed, secretive, or “too good to be true” – it usually is.
The GoodOaks Golden Rule: Pause Before You Act
At GoodOaks Wimbledon and Kingston, we encourage everyone – clients, care professionals, and families – to remember one simple phrase:
Pause. Think. Check.
Before you hand over money, share information, or click a link:
- Pause – take a breath and give yourself time.
- Think – does this make sense? Would this organisation contact me like this?
- Check – call the company directly using an official number, or ask a trusted friend, family member, or care professional for advice.
A quick conversation can stop a scam in its tracks.
How We Support Clients
Our care professionals receive ongoing training to recognise the early signs of fraud or manipulation – such as unusual phone activity, sudden changes in financial behaviour, or anxiety about “letters from the bank.”
We also encourage families to talk openly about money safety and online scams. Together, we can help clients feel confident, not fearful.
If You Think You’ve Been Targeted
If you or someone you know has been affected by a scam, it’s important to act quickly and report it.
You can:
- Contact your bank immediately to freeze accounts and stop payments.
- Report scams to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
- Forward suspicious texts to 7726 and phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
- For advice and emotional support, contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Reporting scams helps protect others too – your action could stop someone else from being caught out.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
Scammers rely on silence. By talking openly about fraud and sharing advice within our community, we take away their power.
If you’d like to learn more about how GoodOaks supports clients to live safely and independently at home – or you’d like us to share scam prevention tips with your local group – we’d love to hear from you.
Because staying safe isn’t just about awareness – it’s about looking out for one another.
Further Support and Resources
If you’d like more advice on how to stay safe from scams, we’ve gathered some helpful guides from trusted organisations:
- Take Five – Stop Fraud: Practical steps to protect yourself from scams
- Age UK – How to Protect Yourself: A clear guide to recognising and avoiding scams
- J.P. Morgan – Supporting Older and Vulnerable Loved Ones: Tips to help family members stay scam-aware
- National Council on Aging: How to spot and avoid online scams
We at GoodOaks Homecare – Wimbledon and Kingston understand the importance of the peace of mind, therefore, our visiting and live-in services are design to support you and your loved ones to stay safe, independent and comfortable in your own home, contact us to learn more.