Raise the subject with them sensitively – perhaps by asking them about the calls and mail they receive. See if they might be willing to register for the Mail Preference Service and the Telephone Preference Service to help block some of the calls and mail.
- Help them to report the fraud. You can report fraud to Action Fraud on behalf of someone or encourage them to report it. It’s advised that you get permission from the victim before reporting the fraud on their behalf, but you can report the fraud without their permission.
- Find support locally. The government has advised that internet scams, postal scams and doorstep crime are all forms of financial abuse and are often targeted at adults who need care and support.
If you're concerned that an adult who needs care and support has been affected by a scam you can raise your concerns via Adult Social Care on 0345 140 0845. They will make safeguarding enquiries and work with the adult to consider the action that may need to be taken.
Take Five is a national campaign that offers straight-forward and impartial advice to help everyone protect themselves from financial fraud. This includes email deception and phone-based scams as well as online fraud – particularly where criminals impersonate trusted organisations. Take a moment to read their leaflet offering advice and support.
If you work with victims of scams, in a voluntary or a paid role, you may be interested in free E-Learning from the National Trading Standards Scams Team.
National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team Practitioner E-Learning.
Guidance for community health and social care workers to help identify and prevent scams in society
Scams: the power of persuasive language.