In our recent article, Home Care Professionals and a New Kind of Connection, we explored how older people are becoming more confident with technology.Many are using it to stay in touch with loved ones, manage appointments and access support from home. For our clients and their families in West Sussex, this is a welcome development. It offers greater independence and helps people feel more connected to the world around them. It’s just one part of what good care means supporting the whole person, not just their physical needs. Alongside these benefits, there are some things to be mindful of. Keeping elderly relatives safe now also includes helping them steer clear of common online scams, which are often aimed at those who may be less familiar with digital threats.
Here are some of the most frequent scams, along with simple ways you can help your loved ones stay protected.
Scammers will often make emails look like they’re from banks, delivery services or government departments. They may claim there’s a problem with an account or ask for payment to redeliver a parcel. These messages typically request that the person click a link or share personal information.
What to do: Encourage your relative not to click on any links unless they’re absolutely sure the email is genuine. If something seems off, they should ignore the message and contact the organisation directly using a trusted phone number. Checking the sender’s email address carefully can also help spot anything suspicious; scammers often use addresses that are slightly misspelt or contain random characters.
Fraudulent websites often appear during sales periods or around major holidays, promising significant discounts on popular items. These sites may appear professional, but they are set up solely to collect payment details or take money without delivering the goods as promised.
What to do: Suggest sticking to well-known, trusted retailers. If a website is unfamiliar or the deal seems unusually cheap, it’s worth pausing to double-check. A family member or carer can also help verify a site if there’s any uncertainty.
Some older people turn to the internet for companionship, especially if they’re feeling isolated. Unfortunately, scammers exploit this by creating fake profiles and gradually building trust over time before requesting money or personal details.
What to do: Keep communication open. Let your loved one know it’s okay to enjoy new friendships. However, reiterate that they should be cautious about sharing information with anyone they haven’t met in person. If something feels odd, encourage them to speak to someone they trust.
Scams aren’t limited to the internet. Many still happen over the phone, with callers pretending to be from the bank, police, or another official service. These callers often attempt to create a sense of urgency, prompting people to act quickly, such as transferring money or confirming account details.
What to do: Remind your relative that it’s fine to hang up. If a call seems suspicious, they should take a moment, end the call, and then contact the organisation using a number they know is genuine. Reassure them that no legitimate company will pressure them to act on the spot.
Keeping elderly relatives safe today involves more than just physical wellbeing; it also means helping them feel confident and secure online. With a few straightforward steps and regular conversations, families in West Sussex can play a key role in protecting their loved ones from scams.
If you are concerned about the wellbeing of an elderly loved one or would like to know more about how our team can support independent living at home, please get in touch. We are always happy to offer friendly advice or talk through your options.
