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Time to read:
8 minutes
Posted on:
September 15th, 2025
Last reviewed:
September 27th, 2025
Scams are deliberate criminal activities designed to trick people into giving away money, personal information or access to their accounts. These crimes rely on sophisticated psychological techniques, creating urgency, confusion or false trust to bypass people's natural caution. Scammers are skilled criminals who study human behaviour and specifically target moments when people are vulnerable, distracted or simply trying to be helpful.
For people with dementia, scams can be particularly devastating because they often involve exploitation of the very qualities that make someone a good person – their politeness, trust and desire to help others. The impact goes far beyond financial loss, often causing profound embarrassment, loss of confidence and withdrawal from social activities. Many people who've been scammed describe feeling "stupid" or "gullible," even though they're victims of sophisticated criminals who deliberately target vulnerable people.
The effects of being scammed can accelerate other challenges associated with dementia. Someone who loses confidence in their judgement might become more dependent on others or withdraw from activities they previously enjoyed. They might become suspicious of legitimate contacts or, conversely, become more vulnerable to future scams because their confidence has been shaken.
Recognising the early signs that someone might be falling victim to scams can make all the difference in preventing serious financial and emotional damage. For people living with dementia, these signs might be subtle at first, so it's important to know what to look out for.
Changes in someone's financial situation are often the first clues that something isn't right. These changes might be gradual or sudden, but either way, they're worth investigating.
Unexplained money movements are the most obvious warning signs. You might notice unusual withdrawals from bank accounts, payments to organisations you don't recognise, or new direct debits and standing orders that seem suspicious. Sometimes these can be for surprisingly small amounts – scammers often start small to test whether their activities are being monitored.
Cash flow problems might develop if someone who previously managed their finances well suddenly starts struggling to pay bills or seems to have less money available than expected. They might mention money being "held up" somewhere or explain away financial difficulties with stories that don't quite add up.
Investment activity can be a concern if someone who has never shown interest in investing suddenly starts talking about cryptocurrency, bonds, or get-rich-quick schemes. Be particularly worried if they're making these investments based on cold calls or online contacts.
Banking difficulties might include problems accessing online accounts, cards being declined when they should work, or confusion about recent transactions. Sometimes scammers change passwords or security details, locking people out of their own accounts.
Changes in behaviour can be just as telling as financial red flags, though they might be more subtle and easier to dismiss as just normal variation in mood or routine.
Secretiveness around finances, phone calls, or correspondence is often a sign that someone knows something isn't quite right but feels embarrassed or worried about discussing it. They might quickly end phone calls when you enter the room, be evasive about who they've been talking to, or seem anxious when the post arrives.
New "friends" or contacts should raise concern, especially if these people are asking for financial help or seem to have appeared very suddenly in someone's life. This is particularly relevant for romance scams, where scammers build relationships over time before making financial requests.
Increased anxiety around money matters, answering the phone, or opening the door can indicate someone has been contacted by scammers and feels uncomfortable or threatened. They might start unplugging the phone, avoiding visitors, or seem generally more nervous.
Talking about competitions, prizes or investments they never mentioned before could indicate they've been targeted by scammers promising unrealistic returns or winnings for competitions they don't remember entering.
Changes in routine might include suddenly being very busy with appointments or calls, or conversely, becoming more withdrawn and reluctant to go out or engage with normal activities.
How someone communicates can reveal whether they're being targeted by scammers. These changes might seem minor but can be significant warning signs.
Increased phone activity from unknown numbers, especially if these calls happen at unusual times or seem to cause anxiety. You might notice they're getting more calls but are reluctant to answer or seem nervous about who might be calling.
Excessive mail delivery could indicate someone has been put on marketing lists used by scammers. This might include more promotional materials, competition entries they don't remember signing up for, or official-looking letters from organisations you don't recognise.
Changes in email or social media use could suggest someone is being contacted by scammers online. They might seem confused about messages they've received, mention new online "friends," or be spending more time than usual on their computer or phone.
Reluctance to discuss communications can be a sign that someone is being pressured not to tell anyone about contacts they've received. Scammers often tell people to keep quiet about "opportunities" or "security issues."
The stress of being scammed can manifest in physical and emotional ways that might not immediately seem connected to fraud.
Sleep problems or increased anxiety could indicate someone is worried about financial or personal security issues they haven't discussed with anyone.
Confusion or forgetfulness beyond what might be expected from dementia progression could suggest someone is being overwhelmed by complex scam scenarios or being deliberately confused by scammers.
Embarrassment or shame about financial decisions might prevent someone from discussing concerns or seeking help when they need it most.
Social withdrawal sometimes happens when people feel they've made mistakes with money and are too embarrassed to face family or friends.
If you notice potential warning signs, it's crucial to handle the situation sensitively. People who've been scammed often feel embarrassed, stupid, or ashamed, even though they're victims of sophisticated criminals.
Ask open questions rather than making accusations. Try "I noticed you've been getting lots of phone calls lately – is everything alright?" rather than "Are you being scammed?" This gives people space to share their concerns without feeling judged.
Listen without judgement and remember that anyone can fall victim to scams. Focus on problem-solving rather than criticism.
Offer support by suggesting you look at any concerning communications together, or help them contact banks or other organisations if needed.
Act quickly but calmly if you suspect active scamming. Contact banks immediately if money is at risk, but do this in a way that supports the person rather than taking over completely.
Rather than waiting for warning signs to appear, it's better to build regular check-ins and support systems:
Review bank statements together monthly
Keep up to date with current scam tactics
Maintain open communication about financial concerns
Ensure people know they can always ask for help without judgement
Consider whether additional support with finances might be helpful
Remember, the goal isn't to take away independence but to provide a safety net that catches problems early. The sooner you spot potential scamming activity, the more likely you are to limit damage and help someone recover both financially and emotionally.
Keep up to date with scams on the Which website
For information or to report a scam contact Action Fraud
If you need support after a crime contact Victim Support
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