The 3 Most Common Scams Targeting UK Seniors & How to Spot Them Instantly
It feels like every day there’s a new story about a sophisticated scam targeting honest, hardworking people. For family members, it’s a constant worry. For seniors, it can be a source of anxiety that makes using technology feel more like a threat than a tool for connection.
But here’s the good news: while the stories change, the tactics scammers use are often the same. Understanding their basic playbook is the single most powerful way to protect yourself and your loved ones.
At SilverLink Tech, we believe in empowering you with clear, simple knowledge. This guide will walk you through the three most common scams happening in the UK right now, the clear red flags to look for, and the simple steps to take to stay safe.
Scam 1: The Impersonation Scam (HMRC, Bank, or Police)
This is the most widespread scam. A criminal contacts you pretending to be from a trusted organisation. They will try to make you feel panicked, rushed, or scared.
How It Works:
You receive an unexpected phone call, text message, or email claiming to be from your bank, HMRC, or even the police. They will say there is a serious problem: a fraudulent transaction has been detected on your account, you have an unpaid tax bill and face legal action, or your bank account has been "compromised" and you need to move your money to a "safe account."
How to Spot It (The Red Flags):
- Urgency: They will insist you must act immediately. They create a sense of panic to stop you from thinking clearly.
- A Request for Personal Information: They ask for your PIN, full password, or other sensitive financial details. Real banks and police will never ask for these.
- A Request to Transfer Money: They instruct you to move your money to a new "safe" account to protect it. This is the biggest red flag of all. Banks will never ask you to do this.
- A Threat of Legal Action: They threaten you with arrest or fines if you don't comply right away.
What to Do:
- Stop. Do nothing. Do not reply to the email, click any links, or provide any information.
- Hang up the phone. It can feel rude, but your safety is more important. A legitimate agent will understand.
- Verify independently. If you are concerned, wait five minutes, then call the organisation back using a phone number you already know is real (like the one on the back of your bank card or from their official website). Never use a number the potential scammer gives you.
Scam 2: The Tech Support Scam (Microsoft, BT, or Amazon)
This scam preys on our reliance on technology and our fear of it breaking.
How It Works:
A pop-up appears on your computer screen with a loud warning message, often with a phone number to call. Or, you receive a phone call out of the blue from someone claiming to be from Microsoft, BT, Virgin Media, or Amazon. They’ll say they’ve detected a virus on your computer, a problem with your internet connection, or a fraudulent purchase on your account. They will ask for remote access to your computer to "fix" the problem.
How to Spot It (The Red Flags):
- They Contacted You First: Microsoft, BT, and other major tech companies will never cold-call you about a problem with your computer or internet. This is the single biggest giveaway.
- A Request for Remote Access: They will ask you to download a program (like TeamViewer or AnyDesk) that gives them control of your computer.
- A Request for Payment for a "Fix": Once they have access, they will pretend to find problems and ask for payment (often in the form of gift cards or a bank transfer) to fix them or to buy "security software."
What to Do:
- Hang up the phone immediately.
- If it’s a pop-up on your screen, do not call the number. Simply restart your computer, and the pop-up will usually disappear.
- Never, ever let someone you don't know have remote access to your computer.
Scam 3: The "Safe Place" Scam (Courier & Card Fraud)
This is a cruel and manipulative scam that abuses a person's trust in authority.
How It Works:
Someone calls you pretending to be from your bank's fraud department or the police. They say your bank card has been cloned or compromised and they need your help to catch the criminal. They will tell you to go to your bank and withdraw a large sum of money, or to give your physical bank card and PIN number to a "courier" they are sending to your house. They will tell you to lie to the bank teller about why you are withdrawing the money.
How to Spot It (The Red Flags):
- A Request to Lie to Your Bank: A real bank or police officer will never ask you to mislead your own bank staff.
- A Request for Your Physical Card or PIN: No legitimate organisation will ever send a courier to your home to collect your bank card, cash, or PIN.
- The "Keep it Secret" Tactic: They will often tell you this is a "secret investigation" and you must not tell anyone about it, not even family. This is to isolate you.
What to Do:
- Hang up the phone.
- Call your bank using the number on the back of your card to report the incident.
- Call the police on their non-emergency number (101) to report the attempt.
- Never hand over your card, PIN, or cash to anyone at your door, no matter who they claim to be.
The Golden Rule: Your Ultimate Protection
If there is one thing to take away from this guide, it is this:
Real organisations will never rush you. Scammers always will.
Technology should be a tool that connects you, not a source of fear. Taking a moment to pause and think is your most powerful defence.
Keeping up with these threats can feel like a full-time job, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you or a loved one could use the peace of mind that comes from having a friendly, patient expert on your side to ask any question—no matter how small—we're here to help.