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Staying safe this Christmas: A fraud prevention guide for Brighton and Hove’s older residents

In the vibrant communities of Brighton, Hove and Shoreham, protecting ourselves and our loved ones from financial fraud has become increasingly important.

Protecting our loved ones this December

The festive period can be a challenging time for our older friends and family members, with scammers taking advantage of generosity during this busy period. Scammers continue to develop sophisticated methods that can target vulnerable individuals, particularly older adults who may be less familiar with modern technology.

Seasonal scam tactics to watch out for…

While scammers are persistent, knowledge is our best defense. Here are some frequent approaches used by fraudsters in the local area:

    1. Telephone deceptions: Individuals might pose as trusted officials – tech support, banks or maintenance services – creating a sense of urgency to pressure victims into quick decisions. 
    2. Unexpected services: Fraudulent “service providers” may offer unsolicited home repairs or maintenance at unreasonable prices, targeting elderly homeowners.
    3. Fake QR codes: Scammers paste fake QR codes over genuine ones (e.g., in car parks) to direct you to fraudulent websites. Look for signs of underlying codes and visit websites directly.
    4. Parcel delivery scams: Be alert to messages claiming you need to pay for parcel redelivery and remember it’s the sender’s responsibility to pay delivery fees.
    5. Friend or family emergency scams: Be cautious of messages or emails claiming to be from loved ones asking for help or money. Always verify their identity before taking action.
    6. Phishing emails or letters: Scammers impersonate legitimate organisations like DVLA or TV Licensing to steal sensitive information. Always check the sender’s address and be cautious of links requesting personal details.
    7. Online marketplace scams: When selling items online, be cautious of buyers who ask you to pay courier fees and/or promise to reimburse you later.

Real stories from our clients

Scammers are becoming increasingly clever in their methods of deception. Two recent cases, which affected two of our local clients, highlight the importance of vigilance and quick action. Names have been modified to protect privacy.

Margaret’s Cashpoint Scam

At a cash machine on Brighton’s bustling North Street, Margaret fell victim to a carefully orchestrated theft. A man approached her, claiming she had dropped her bank card. In the moment of distraction, he manipulated her into picking up a fake card while simultaneously stealing her real bank card from the machine. Fortunately, Margaret’s swift response was crucial. She immediately contacted her bank, which helped her recover the entire £4,000 stolen from her account. This quick action and reporting to the Action Fraud service prevented long-term financial damage.

Joyce’s Impersonation Scam

In another alarming incident near Hove’s seafront, a scammer gained access to Joyce’s apartment building despite the presence of a managed entry system with a buzzer. Posing as an insurance collector for a non-existent roof aerial, the fraudster convinced Joyce to share her bank details on the spot. Subsequent unauthorised withdrawals were made from her account. Like Margaret, Joyce reported the incident to Action Fraud.

Key takeaways:

  • Stay alert in vulnerable moments, especially during financial transactions
  • Be sceptical of unexpected interactions or requests for personal information
  • Contact your bank immediately if you suspect fraud
  • Report scams to Action Fraud or local Brighton and Hove authorities promptly

These recent cases show the importance of awareness and quick action in protecting yourself from sophisticated scams.

Practical Prevention Strategies

  • Be cautious of unsolicited communications requesting personal details
  • Take time to verify unexpected requests independently
  • Consult trusted family members before making significant financial decisions
  • Utilise local community resources in Brighton and Hove for additional support

Responding to potential fraud

  • Trust your instincts if something feels unusual
  • Pause and seek advice from family or trusted contacts
  • Contact your bank immediately if you suspect any fraudulent activity
  • Report suspicious interactions to local authorities, including Brighton and Hove Police

Jess Brown, our dedicated Scams Awareness Champion, shares, “It’s disheartening to see so many older clients targeted by scams. However, we’re proud that, on several occasions, our Care Professionals have stepped in to intercept and prevent these scams. Staying vigilant and informed about common scams is crucial, and we encourage everyone to report any suspected scam attempts to Action Fraud or the local authorities. Our goal is to ensure that our clients and other vulnerable members of the community stay safe and enjoy a happy, secure Christmas.”

Local support services to note down:

Come along to our Scams Awareness Session in January 2025

Home Instead Brighton, Hove and Shoreham have already run successful Scam Information Sessions at Danny Sheldon House in Brighton and Saxon Court in Hove, with those coming along finding it a very useful resource to become more Scams Aware. Our next upcoming event will take place on Thursday 23rd January 2025 at 11am in Jacqueline Du Pre Court’s Communal Lounge.

Join Home Instead for an informal chat about the scams to look out for, how to stay informed and staying safe!

Please book your place with Emily at Jacqueline Du Pre Court. Call 01273 621039 / 07864967717 or email: [email protected]

Fraud reporting and support

Additional local resources: