Scammers do not pick on people because they are foolish. They pick on people who answer the phone, are polite to strangers, and have savings worth stealing. That description fits most careful people over 60, which is why this age group is targeted so heavily.
These are the five approaches doing the rounds at the moment.
1. The fake bank fraud team
A call, supposedly from your bank, says your account is under attack and you must move your money to a safe account immediately. The caller is calm, professional and patient. There is no safe account. It is theirs. Your real bank will never ask you to move money to keep it safe, not once, not ever.
2. The "Hi Mum, new number" message
A text or WhatsApp message claims to be your son or daughter on a borrowed phone, building up to an urgent request for money. Ring the old number you have always had for them. The real child answers, every time.
3. The parcel fee
A text says a small delivery fee is owed on a parcel. The fee is pennies. The real prize is the card details you type in. If you are expecting a parcel, go to the courier's website yourself rather than tapping the link.
4. The fake HMRC or police call
A recorded voice threatens arrest over unpaid tax, or an officer claims your card is being used by criminals and asks for your help with an investigation. Real officials do not threaten arrest by phone and never recruit the public into secret operations.
5. The computer warning
A pop up or caller claims your computer is infected and offers to fix it remotely. Once inside, they can see everything, including your online banking. No legitimate company rings to tell you your computer has a virus.
If you think you have been caught
Ring your bank immediately on 159 or the number on your card, then report it to Action Fraud. Do not be embarrassed into silence. These operations are professional, they fool solicitors, accountants and police officers too, and the faster the bank knows, the more they can claw back.