Ageing father - options to keep his account(s) secure

kaMelo

Speak to his bank and explain the situation, they should be able to mark him down as a vulnerable customer. The bank should then carry out extra checks on new or unusual account activity.

Emily_Joy

As the weakest point here is your Father, I would work on improving security here. In particular, when I talk to my parents I try to reinforce the point that Nobody ever lost their money because they refused to act swiftly after receiving a phone call from a stranger, however many people lost their life savings because they did; that police will never ever engage with him via a phone, but rather invite him to a police station. 

We repeat the following "mantra": if a stranger calls and asks to do something, tell them "I cannot talk now, give me your number, I will call you back later". Then: (1) using a different phone line call or visit the organisation the stranger has associated themselves with using the official phone number; (2) call me via whatsapp and do nothing until they speak to me. In practice, the stranger doesn't give a number to call back but just hangs up 

plantation_2

You could try limiting the number of scam calls that get through by putting something like a truecall device on their home phone (assuming that's where they get scam calls). This allows you to limit who can get through to trusted numbers only

miller

plantation_2 said:

You could try limiting the number of scam calls that get through by putting something like a truecall device on their home phone (assuming that's where they get scam calls). This allows you to limit who can get through to trusted numbers only

Some councils will install them for free (Truecall blocker), especially when presented with circumstances such as the OP's. Another nuclear option would be to disconnect the landline altogether. IMO most of these type of calls come via the landline. If the OP's parents would be happy with mobiles there would likely be a cost saving as well in the long run.

It doesn't even have to be a bank transfer fraud, I noticed that debit card payments (easier over the phone) don't appear to be covered under the CRM.

lr1277

I rarely use my landline so use my mobile 99% of the time.

I have had 3 scam call attempts on the mobile. Because of my suspicious nature I ended those calls so I didn't lose any money.

But don't think you can't get scam calls on your mobile.

M25

You need to stop the problem at source. Buy a call blocker.

For the landline you can get a call blocker that blocks everything apart from people who are white listed or one that already has1000s of numbers blocked and you can add to it.

One recommendation https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07GPNQNWG/ but look at the company's other offerings.

I have one of their older models and I think in 6 years I've had 2 scam calls slip through. Obviously those scammers are now blocked forever too.

I tend to (ie when I set it up years ago) just block 0161* or 0777* etc etc. 

Works a treat.

Emily_Joy

M25 said:

You need to stop the problem at source. Buy a call blocker. For the landline you can get a call blocker that blocks everything apart from people who are white listed or one that already has1000s of numbers blocked and you can add to it.  One recommendation https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07GPNQNWG/ but look at the company's other offerings.  I have one of their older models and I think in 6 years I've had 2 scam calls slip through. Obviously those scammers are now blocked forever too. I tend to (ie when I set it up years ago) just block 0161* or 0777* etc etc. 

Works a treat.

With call blocker installed, can people call you via Skype?

Yorkie1

lr1277 said:

I rarely use my landline so use my mobile 99% of the time.

I have had 3 scam call attempts on the mobile. Because of my suspicious nature I ended those calls so I didn't lose any money.

But don't think you can't get scam calls on your mobile.

I go through phases of daily calls to my mobile from various spoofed mobile or private numbers, purporting to be from O2 or EE, trying to sell me a reduced tariff ... never been with EE!

Katiehound

Several friends I know have got  (BT?) call blocker on their phone- landline. Only 'trusted'people can get through because you have to reveal your name & the owner has to accept the call. I suspect this cuts out virtually all the scam calls

Hoenir

Ballard said:

400ixl said:

Ballard said:

His driving is another concern that we will need to tackle, but that’s not something that I need advice from on the forum. 

You (he) needs to be speaking to his GP not asking a forum.

Hence I’ve said that I’m not asking for advice from here. 

Purely as an observation. I have a friend who first developed early-onset dementia just after reaching the age of 55. Better to be actively prepared for what's to come on all fronts.