📚 Common Scams Targeting the Elderly
Knowing these scams is the best protection. Share this page with elderly family members.
📋 My Scam Checks
Your recent analyses — saved in this browser.
🚨 Report a Scam — Where to Go
⚠️ If you have already sent money or shared bank details — contact your bank immediately. Call the number on the back of your bank card. Do not wait.
🇮🇪 Ireland — Garda
Report fraud to An Garda Síochána online or at your local station.
📞 1800 666 111
garda.ie →🇮🇪 Ireland — Bank Fraud
Contact your bank immediately if you have sent money or shared details.
📞 Banking & Payments Federation: 01 671 5311
🇬🇧 UK — Action Fraud
UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
📞 0300 123 2040
actionfraud.police.uk →🌍 International
Interpol cybercrime reporting and your national police non-emergency line.
interpol.int →🛡️ The Golden Rules — Never Break These
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NEVER give your bank details over the phone
Your real bank will NEVER ask for your PIN, full card number, or passwords over the phone. If someone asks — hang up immediately.
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NEVER send gift cards as payment
No legitimate company, government body, or utility asks for payment in gift cards. This is always a scam. Always.
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NEVER let anyone access your computer remotely
If someone calls claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider and asks to access your computer — hang up. This is always a scam.
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NEVER act immediately because they say it is urgent
Scammers create panic and urgency. Real organisations always give you time to think, check, and call back. If someone pressures you to act right now — stop. Hang up. Call a family member.
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ALWAYS hang up and call back on the official number
If you think a call might be real, hang up. Find the official number on the company's website or a letter you received before. Call that number yourself.
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ALWAYS tell a family member or friend before sending any money
Before sending any money — even to someone you think you know — tell a trusted person first. Just saying it out loud to another person often reveals a scam.
📱 Share This Tool
If you found this useful — share it with elderly family members, friends, or neighbours who might benefit.
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