Phone scams targeting elderly people cost billions of pounds and dollars every year. The victims aren't naive — they're often sharp, intelligent people being manipulated by professionals who do this full time. Understanding the problem is the first step to solving it.
Why elderly people are disproportionately targeted
Scammers aren't randomly dialling numbers. They work from lists that specifically target people over 65. Why? A few reasons: older people are more likely to be home to answer the phone, more likely to be polite and listen, less likely to have been warned about specific current scams, and statistically more likely to have savings.
The social isolation that many elderly people experience also plays a role. A phone call from a 'friendly' voice — even a scammer pretending to be from HMRC or a bank — can be genuinely welcome. These aren't shameful vulnerabilities. They're human ones.
The most common scams right now
- HMRC / IRS tax debt calls threatening arrest unless you pay immediately
- "Your bank account has been compromised" calls from fake bank security teams
- Fake grandchild scams ("Gran, it's me, I'm in trouble, don't tell Mum")
- Prize winning notifications requiring a processing fee
- Computer virus warnings from fake Microsoft or Apple support
- Utility company overpayment refunds requiring bank details
Why 'just don't answer unknown numbers' isn't enough
The usual advice — register with the Telephone Preference Service, use a call blocker, don't answer unknown numbers — all helps, but none of it fully works. Sophisticated scammers spoof numbers. They call from what looks like a local number, a bank number, even a family member's number.
Call blocking is a denylist approach: you try to block the bad ones. The problem is there are infinitely more bad numbers than you can block.
The approach that actually works: an allow list
An allow list flips the model. Instead of trying to block unknown bad callers, you define a list of known good callers. Only people on that list can get through. Everyone else — scammers, cold callers, your parents' neighbour who talks for 45 minutes — simply can't ring.
This is exactly how Granny Phone works. You set up a list of approved numbers — family members, their GP, trusted friends. Those numbers can call through. Every other number gets a 'this number is not available' message and never disturbs your parent at all.
It's not perfect — nothing is — but it's the most effective single measure you can take. A scammer cannot get through if they're not on the list. Full stop.
Setting up protection step by step
- Switch to a phone with an allow list (like Granny Phone)
- Add all important numbers: family, GP, pharmacy, close friends
- Make sure family members know to call from a consistent number
- Tell your parents they don't need to answer any other calls
- Check in regularly — and remind them that no legitimate organisation will ask for payment or bank details over an unsolicited call
The peace of mind — knowing your parents literally cannot receive a scam call — is worth every penny.