Five scams every carer should know about!

When you're caring for someone living with dementia, you're already thinking about their safety, wellbeing and independence. But how often do you stop to think about protecting yourself from scams too?

An unexpected call from the bank. A stranger offering to fix something at home. A message from someone claiming to be a family member who urgently needs money.

Scams are becoming increasingly convincing, and anyone can be caught out.

For someone living with dementia, changes in memory, judgement or decision-making can sometimes make it harder to recognise when something isn't right. For carers, the pressures of managing everyday responsibilities, often alongside work and family life, can make it difficult to find time to question an unexpected request.

And the consequences aren't always financial. Being targeted by a scam can leave someone feeling frightened, embarrassed or less confident about managing their own affairs.

Knowing what to look out for can make a real difference.

Here are five scams every carer should know about, and some simple steps to help protect yourself and the person you care for.

1. Phone scams: When a familiar voice isn't who they claim to be.

The phone rings. Someone claims to be from your bank, energy supplier, the police or another trusted organisation.

They might say there's suspicious activity on an account, an unpaid bill or an urgent problem that needs fixing.

Scammers can sound professional, know personal information and even make their telephone number appear genuine.

How to stay safe: Never feel pressured to share banking details, passwords or security codes over the phone. End the call and contact the organisation yourself using a trusted number. If someone claims to be from your bank, you can call 159 to reach participating banks safely.

Consider call-blocking services to reduce unwanted calls, particularly if someone you care for regularly answers the telephone alone.

2. Doorstep scams: The unexpected visitor.

Someone knocks on the door offering home repairs, gardening work or energy-saving improvements. They seem friendly, helpful and convincing.

But not everyone who comes to the door has good intentions.

Some scammers pretend to be tradespeople, utility workers or charity collectors, pressuring people into paying for unnecessary work or allowing them into their homes.

For someone living with dementia, an unexpected visitor may be confusing, especially if they appear to represent an organisation they recognise.

How to stay safe: Don't feel obliged to open the door or agree to anything immediately. Ask for identification, check it independently and never hand over money on the spot.

A 'No Cold Callers' sign, a door chain or an agreement to discuss unexpected visitors with a trusted person can offer additional reassurance.

3. Postal, email and online scams: The message that looks genuine.

A letter announces you've won a prize. An email offers an unexpected refund. A text says your parcel cannot be delivered until you've paid a small fee.

These messages can look remarkably convincing, using familiar logos, official-looking language and links to websites that imitate genuine organisations.

Watch out for Winter Fuel Payment scams

With winter approaching, eligible people will receive a letter from the government in October or November confirming their Winter Fuel Payment. Most payments are made automatically, so no action is needed.

Scammers may send convincing texts or emails claiming you need to apply, confirm your details or click a link to receive your payment. The government will not ask you to click a link or provide bank details by text to claim your Winter Fuel Payment.

If you're unsure, visit GOV.UK directly rather than following a link in a message.

How to stay safe: Be cautious of unexpected requests for money or personal information. Don't click unfamiliar links or open suspicious attachments. If you're unsure, visit GOV.UK directly rather than following a link in a message.

If you're supporting someone living with dementia, consider agreeing to look through unfamiliar letters or messages together. This can help identify concerns while respecting their privacy and independence.

4. Relationship scams: When someone takes advantage of trust.

Not every scam begins with an obvious request for money.

Sometimes a scammer builds a relationship over weeks or months, perhaps through social media, a dating website or regular telephone conversations.

They may pretend to be a friend or romantic partner, gradually gaining someone's trust before asking for money, gifts or financial assistance.

Loneliness and isolation can make these approaches particularly harmful. For someone who values the companionship, questioning the relationship can feel upsetting or threatening.

How to stay safe: Be cautious if someone you've never met asks for money, particularly if they have repeated reasons why they cannot meet or speak face to face.

If you're concerned about someone you care for, approach the conversation sensitively. Avoid judgement or confrontation. Focus on understanding the relationship, listening to their feelings and helping them check whether the person is genuine.

5. Financial and identity scams: Protecting personal information.

Scammers may offer investments, pension opportunities, grants or financial assistance that sound too good to miss.

Others attempt to collect personal details, such as dates of birth, addresses, account numbers or identification documents, which can then be used to access accounts or commit identity fraud.

For carers already managing household finances or seeking help with rising costs, an offer of financial support can seem especially appealing.

How to stay safe: Never feel rushed into a financial decision. Check offers through trusted organisations and be wary of anyone requesting an upfront payment to release money.

Regularly reviewing bank statements and setting up alerts for unusual spending can help identify suspicious activity early.

Protecting independence, not taking it away.

One of the biggest challenges for carers is knowing how to keep someone safe without taking away their independence.

Managing money, answering the telephone and making everyday decisions can be important parts of someone's identity.

A dementia diagnosis doesn't automatically mean someone can no longer manage their finances. But as circumstances change, additional safeguards may become helpful.

Start with an open conversation. Agree together what support would feel useful, whether that's checking unfamiliar messages, setting up banking alerts, blocking unwanted calls or speaking to the bank about additional protection.

The aim is to support someone to remain as independent as possible, while reducing unnecessary risks.

Carers need support too.

Caring for someone living with dementia can be exhausting. There may be appointments to organise, bills to manage, decisions to make and constant worries about what might happen when you're not there.

The added responsibility of protecting someone from scams can feel overwhelming. But remember, you don't have to manage everything alone.

Talking to trusted family members, friends or other carers can help you share concerns and recognise potential problems. Support is also available through our Dementia Coordinators, local carers' services, your GP and adult social care.

You may also be entitled to a carer's assessment, which can help identify support for your own wellbeing and caring responsibilities.

Looking after yourself is an important part of looking after someone else.

What should you do if you suspect a scam?

If you think you or someone you care for has been targeted, try not to panic.

Acting quickly can help protect finances and prevent further harm.

• Contact your bank immediately if money or financial information may have been compromised. You can also use 159 to contact participating banks.

• Report fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

• Emergency exit modal on your computer. In an emergency tap the ESC key 3 times to exit the site.

• Report suspicious messages. Forward scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and suspicious texts to 7726.

• Seek safeguarding advice from your local council if you're concerned someone is being financially exploited or abused.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

If a scam has happened, respond with kindness and reassurance. Scammers deliberately manipulate people's trust, emotions and fears. Blame and embarrassment can make it harder for someone to ask for help.

Live Life Safe: Small steps can make a big difference

Feeling safe at home isn't just about locks, alarms and appliances. It's also about feeling confident, protecting your finances and knowing there's someone you can turn to when something doesn't feel right.

Through our Live Life Safe campaign, ADSS is helping people living with dementia and their carers recognise risks and take practical steps to protect themselves.

Our free Home Energy Service, delivered in partnership with SGN, provides trusted advice on scam awareness, financial vulnerability, energy costs and home safety.

Whether you're worried about a suspicious call, concerned about someone's financial wellbeing or simply want advice on staying safe, we're here to help.

Because sometimes, one conversation today can prevent a much bigger problem tomorrow.

Contact our Home Energy team

Call: 01474 533990
Email: HomeEnergy@adss.org.uk

Our service supports people affected by dementia across North Kent, West Kent, Medway and Swale.