"Scams are becoming pervasive, and there can be few people in the country who haven't received a text message or email from a fraudster pretending to be their bank or HMRC, the UK government's tax agency, or claiming to be a delivery firm holding a package for them. Older people are often targeted, and can lose substantial sums of money."
"VMO2 says that its figures point to more than 1.8 million people over 65 in the UK being scammed online in the past year, with the average loss being £831 ($1,114). More than half of Brits fear their older relatives could lose their life savings to fraudsters, it claims. The situation is exacerbated by ongoing bank branch closures, which are forcing many older and vulnerable people who may have limited internet experience to rely on online services, putting them at greater risk of running into fraudsters."
The Scam Schools programme will deliver free, in-person sessions across the UK in partnership with the Good Things Foundation to teach vulnerable and older people practical skills to spot and avoid scams. Sessions will be advertised locally and via the VMO2 website, with online registration for individuals and community groups interested in hosting events. Scams are increasingly common, with more than 1.8 million people over 65 reported scammed online in the past year and an average loss of £831. Ongoing bank branch closures increase reliance on online services, raising risks for those with low digital confidence, and training aims to reduce financial harm.
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