How to protect elderly parents from scam calls
The short answer
Do it with them, in one visit. Agree a family code word, register their numbers with the Telephone Preference Service, set up call blocking, take their details off the open register and people-search websites, and write two rules on a card by the phone: hang up and call back on a number you already have, and for anything about the bank, call 159.
Most of this is free and takes about an hour.
The kitchen table hour
| Time | Step | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 0:00 | Agree a family code word, out loud, never written online | A cloned voice won't know it |
| 0:05 | Opt out of the open electoral register | Stops their name and address being sold from then on |
| 0:15 | Register landline and mobile with the TPS; register with the MPS | Fewer sales calls within 28 days; less addressed junk mail |
| 0:25 | Remove them from 192.com | Search their name first and show them what strangers can see |
| 0:35 | Set up call blocking on their phone, or ask their provider | Fewer unknown callers get through |
| 0:45 | Google "Results about you" on their account | It keeps watching after you've gone home |
| 0:55 | Write the two rules on a card by the phone | Hang up and call back; 159 for the bank |
Checked 26 October 2026 against each organisation's own website. Times are typical, not promises.
Why older people are targeted by phone
Older people aren't more gullible, but they are targeted relentlessly by phone, and when a scam works it tends to cost them more. A University of Portsmouth study of older adults found about 2 in 3 had a fraud attempt in the previous six months, and nearly 3 in 4 of those attempts came by phone.
Older victims are also less likely to tell anyone, often from embarrassment or fear of losing their independence. A calm, practical hour together helps more than a warning.
Call blocking and phones
- Register every number with the Telephone Preference Service. It's free: from a mobile, text TPS and your email address to 85095, or call 0345 070 0707.
- Most smartphones can block numbers and silence unknown callers. Many landline phones can block numbers too.
- Ask their phone provider what call blocking it offers. Some is free; some has a monthly charge.
- Ask to go ex-directory, so their number and address leave the phone book.
If they've been targeted
- If money has left their account, call their bank straight away on 159.
- Report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or Police Scotland on 101.
- If they're getting lots of scam post, they may be on a "suckers list". Contact your local Trading Standards through Citizens Advice.
- For free, confidential advice, the Age UK Advice Line is on 0800 678 1602, 8am to 7pm, every day.
- Be kind about it. Shame stops people reporting the next one.
Doing it for them, with their agreement
It's their data, so ask first and do it together. You can buy Take Your Data Back for a parent or grandparent: they get their own account, and you can sit with them while they set it up. Or use this page and our main guide to do it all yourselves, for free.
Buying for a parent? They get their own plan
- We send your Telephone Preference Service, Mailing Preference Service and Experian opt-outs in one click
- We write the emails for your council, 192.com, Equifax and TransUnion, so you just press send
- All 10 main steps in one plan, with your progress and every reply in one place
- A check of your email and passwords against known data breaches
- Moving home? Your new address is includedOne move within 12 months of signing up.
You can do everything in this guide yourself for free. We make it quicker and keep track of it for you. Nobody can promise your details are gone for good.
About 10 minutes to get started. Buying for a parent or grandparent? Choose “A family member” when you sign up. Cancel within 14 days for a full refund. We never sell your data.
Questions people ask
How do I stop scam calls to my elderly parent?
Register their numbers with the Telephone Preference Service, set up call blocking, take their details off the open register and people-search sites, and agree two rules: hang up and call back on a known number, and call 159 for anything about the bank. Nobody can stop every scam call, but these steps cut how many get through.
What is a family code word?
A random word your family agrees out loud and never writes down online. If someone rings in a panic claiming to be a relative, ask for the word. A scammer, or a cloned voice, won't know it.
Will the Telephone Preference Service stop scam calls?
No. It stops most legal sales calls from UK companies within 28 days. Scammers ignore it. It's still worth doing, because fewer calls overall makes the suspicious ones stand out.
Can I sign my parent up to Take Your Data Back?
Yes, with their agreement. Choose "A family member" when you sign up and enter their details. They get their own account, and it's easiest to sit with them while they do the steps. It costs £25 per person, once.
Where can my parent get free advice about scams?
The Age UK Advice Line is free on 0800 678 1602, 8am to 7pm every day. To report a scam, contact Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or Police Scotland on 101.
Sources
- University of Portsmouth: Telephone fraud targeting older adults (2024)
- Telephone Preference Service
- Ofcom: Unwanted calls, texts and emails
- GOV.UK: Opt out of the open register
- 192.com: Remove your details
- Report Fraud
- Age UK: Scams and fraud (Advice Line 0800 678 1602)
Last checked: 26 October 2026. Time estimates are our own. General information, not legal advice.
Keep reading
Why scammers know your details
Where fraudsters get your name, address and number, and how to cut off the supply.
Read the guideHow to stop cold calls
Every step, from the Telephone Preference Service to reporting callers who won't stop.
Read the guideRemove your details from the internet
Every UK place your name, address and phone number turn up, and how to get off each one.
Read the guide