In this episode of “Age and Stage,” hosts Daisy McAndrew and Annabel James discuss the prevalence and impact of scams targeting the elderly. Alex Somervell, founder of Ask-Silver, a free scam-checking tool on WhatsApp, explains that scams represent 40% of all crime in the UK, with older adults losing an average of £2,500 per incident. Common scams include investment and romance scams, with younger people more likely to fall for purchase scams. Somervell emphasizes the importance of vigilance, reporting scams to authorities, and using tools like Ask-Silver to verify suspicious messages. He also advises on practical steps to protect loved ones and the emotional support needed after a scam.
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Action Items
- Encourage use of call blocking services and apps like Ask Silver to help identify and report potential scams.
- Suggest doing a reverse image search on dating profiles to check for potential romance scams.
- Emphasize the importance of maintaining good data hygiene, such as using secure passwords and being cautious on public Wi-Fi, to reduce the risk of scams.
- Advise victims of scams to report the incident to the police, their bank, and Action Fraud to increase the chances of recovering lost funds.
- Warn victims about the potential for “recovery scams”, where scammers try to exploit them further by claiming they can help recover the lost money.
Introduction to the Podcast and Episode Focus
Daisy McAndrew introduces the podcast “Age and Stage,” aimed at those caring for elderly parents, relatives, friends, or neighbours. Annabel James announces the episode’s focus on protecting elderly people from scams. Alex Somervell, founder of Ask-Silver, is introduced as a guest expert. The episode will explore different types of scams, practical ways to protect loved ones, the role of banks, and dealing with the guilt and shame associated with being scammed.
Statistics and Demographics of Scams
Daisy McAndrew expresses concern about elderly people being targeted by scams. Alex Somervell shares that an older adult gets scammed every 40 seconds in the UK, with an average loss of £2,500 per incident. Alex explains that older people are targeted because they are more affluent, despite millennials being more likely to be scammed.
The conversation highlights the financial impact of scams on different demographics.
Types of Scams and Common Scenarios
Annabel James asks about the major types of scams to look out for. Alex Somervell explains that investment scams and romance scams result in the highest average losses, while purchase scams are the most common.
Daisy McAndrew shares a personal experience of nearly falling victim to a purchase scam involving an Amazon phone call. Alex clarifies that such impersonation scams are not purchase scams but rather impersonation or courier scams.
Investment and Romance Scams
Daisy McAndrew and Alex Somervell discuss the prevalence of investment scams, especially among older adults planning for retirement. Alex emphasizes the importance of safe investment practices to avoid scams. The conversation shifts to romance scams, where older adults, especially those who have been divorced, are often targeted. Alex advises on the challenges of addressing romance scams within families and suggests using reverse image searches to verify profiles.
Emotional Impact and Practical Advice
Annabel James shares a personal story about her mother’s embarrassment after being scammed. Alex Somervell talks about the importance of being tactful when discussing scams with family members. The discussion includes practical advice on using call blockers, prefer services, and tools like Ask Silver to check for scams. Alex highlights the need for good data hygiene practices to prevent scams.
National and Global Efforts Against Scams
Daisy McAndrew inquires about national and global efforts to combat scams. Alex Somervell mentions the UK’s mandatory reimbursement scheme for fraud victims and the potential for more regulation on tech companies. The conversation touches on the challenges of addressing scams on a global scale. Alex shares that the UK government is considering more regulation on platforms where scams originate.
Supporting Scam Victims
Daisy McAndrew asks about steps to take if someone has fallen victim to a scam. Alex Somervell advises reporting the scam to the police, contacting the bank, and reporting it to Action Fraud. The importance of changing passwords and being vigilant for recovery scams is discussed. Alex emphasizes the need for emotional support and practical help in protecting victims from future scams.
Introduction to Ask-Silver
Alex Somervell explains how Ask-Silver, a free scam checker on WhatsApp, helps users verify the authenticity of suspicious messages. The tool extracts information from screenshots and analyzes it like a fraud expert. Alex highlights the tool’s accessibility and the positive reception it has received from the public and media.The conversation includes a discussion on the importance of reporting scams to authorities.
Final Thoughts and Practical Tips
Daisy McAndrew and Annabel James express gratitude for Alex’s insights and practical tips.The conversation concludes with a reminder of the importance of vigilance and using tools like Ask Silver.Daisy shares a personal story about nearly falling victim to a scam and the embarrassment that followed.The episode ends with a call to action for listeners to use the resources and tools discussed to protect their loved ones from scams.
Get in touch with Age & Stage
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