Shocking Study Reveals Two-Thirds of Older Individuals Victimized by Scams, Prompting Urgent Action
A recent study conducted by charity Re-engage and the University of Portsmouth has uncovered a concerning truth about the vulnerability of older individuals to scams. The research, which involved 1,177 participants, sheds light on the widespread issue of scams targeting the elderly and highlights the urgent need for action to protect this vulnerable demographic.
The study finds that an alarming two out of three older individuals have fallen victim to scams in the past year, leading to heightened fear, depression, and even suicidal thoughts in extreme cases. Among those surveyed, approximately one-fifth reported weekly attempts to defraud them, with 40% experiencing illegal approaches every month. The primary mode of these scams is telephonic, including landline, mobile, and text-based methods.
These shocking statistics have prompted charity Re-engage, dedicated to combating loneliness and isolation among individuals aged 75 and over, to call for immediate action. The research also reveals that 50% of the older population surveyed do not use the internet, and 70% never engage in online banking, primarily due to concerns about potential hacking. Living alone is another prominent factor, with around 80% of the participants being solo dwellers, and over three-quarters being women.
In response to this distressing trend, Re-engage advocates for comprehensive training for professionals, including doctors, social workers, and bank staff, to recognize signs of vulnerability to scams among older individuals. Additionally, the charity is urging the government and other relevant bodies to allocate funding for high-quality call blockers specifically designed to protect older people from scams.
Laura Joplin, head of impact at Re-engage, expresses grave concern about the emotional impact of these scams on older individuals. She emphasizes, The scale of intimidation and fear unleashed on older people by these scams and frauds is really shocking, noting that many are too terrified to even answer the phone due to the fear of falling victim to scammers. This isolation further damages their quality of life, thus necessitating urgent action to ensure their safety and restore their sense of security in their own homes.
Professor Mark Button, co-director of the Centre for Cybercrime and Economic Crime at the University of Portsmouth, highlights the underreporting of scams, primarily due to the associated stigma and the lack of advice received by victims. He emphasizes the need for increased awareness and action to address this alarming issue.
The study presents narratives shared by interviewees, further illustrating the detrimental impact of scams on older individuals. These include stories of insecurity and an overall feeling of being unsafe in their own residences due to fraudulent phone calls and messages. The urgency to address this issue, protect older individuals from scams, and raise awareness to prevent further victimization is crystal clear.
In conclusion, the study’s findings are deeply concerning, revealing the extent of scams targeting older individuals and the detrimental impact on their mental and emotional well-being. Urgent action is necessary to protect this vulnerable demographic, including comprehensive training for professionals, the allocation of funding for call blockers, and increased awareness of the issue. The goal is to restore a sense of security and well-being to older individuals, ensuring they can live free from the continuous threat of scams and frauds.
