Unwanted phone calls and junk mail aren’t just frustrating – they can be distressing and even dangerous for older people. From scams that exploit vulnerability to constant interruptions that erode peace of mind, it’s important to take action to protect your loved one. This guide offers practical steps to help reduce nuisance contact and create a calmer, safer home environment.
Signs that an elderly loved one might be a target
Older adults are more vulnerable to scams that appear legitimate. Watch out for:
- Frequent unsolicited calls or unknown numbers in call history
- A sudden increase in post or catalogue orders
- Unexplained subscriptions or payments
- Reluctance to talk about phone calls or mail they’ve received
If you notice these signs, it may be time to talk gently about protection steps.
How to start the conversation
Bringing up concerns about unwanted phone calls, junk mail, or scams with an elderly parent or loved one can feel delicate, especially if they value their independence or aren’t aware of the risks. But starting the conversation early can help prevent confusion, stress, or even financial loss later on.
Tips for approaching the topic:
- Choose the right moment – Find a quiet, relaxed time when you won’t be interrupted, such as during a cup of tea or after a shared activity.
- Lead with concern, not control – Use language like “I’ve noticed…” or “I just want to make sure you’re not being bothered by anything at home” rather than telling them what to do.
- Be specific and reassuring – Mention recent examples (like a strange letter or a suspicious phone call) and explain that many people, not just them, are targeted by these tactics.
- Frame it as support, not supervision – Emphasise that small changes (like call blockers or mail preferences) can reduce stress and protect their peace of mind, without taking away their independence.
Reassure them that you’re not trying to take over, but to help make life a little simpler and safer, together.
Steps you can take to reduce unwanted calls and mail
There are several simple but effective actions you can take to help protect your elderly loved one from nuisance phone calls, junk mail, and potential scams:
Sign up to the telephone preference service (tps)
The easiest step to take if you want to reduce the number of marketing calls your parent or loved one receives is to register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS). This will prevent telemarketers from making sales and marketing calls. Simply register your loved one’s number online for free at the TPS website, and it will take about a month to come into effect.
This will not, however, stop all calls from getting through. If your loved one has provided a company with permission to contact them, the company can still continue to call their number.
Contact companies directly
When a company calls your loved one and the call is unwanted, you can try to contact the company directly. Write to the company in question and ask for the number to be removed from the call list. This may not stop firms calling for market research purposes, but it can help to reduce the number of calls your loved one receives.
Use a phone with caller id and get an answer phone
A phone with caller ID allows your parent or loved one to see who is calling, and they can then decide whether to answer or not. You can also set up an answer phone so that your loved one does not have to answer the phone if they do not want to. If they receive a message they are unsure about, you can check it for them before they call back.
Use a call blocker
Another option is to use a call blocker, which can block individual telephone numbers, all withheld numbers, international calls and more. Some phones come with call blockers, whereas some call blockers can be attached to the phone. Some will also ask the caller to provide their name before the call is put through.
Provide advice to your parent or loved one
Make sure you provide your parent or loved one with some basic advice about receiving calls. This could include:
- Remind them never to provide their personal details, and especially their financial details, over the phone.
- Answer the phone with a simple ‘hello’ rather than their name and number.
- Let them know they can always hang up in any situation if they are not comfortable.
- Advise them to always hang up if they receive an automated call.
Sign up with the mailing preference service
If you want to stop junk mail being delivered to your parent’s or loved one’s house, the first thing to do is sign up with the Mailing Preference Service. This is similar to the TPS, and it will prevent marketers from sending out junk mail. If you then receive mail from a marketer, you can complain to the Mailing Preference Service, and they will write to the company.
You can also opt out of the Royal Mail ‘s Door-to-Door service. This will only apply to unaddressed mail, and the Royal Mail cannot stop delivering mail with an address on it.
Redirect post
You can also call Royal Mail to arrange for your loved one’s mail to be directed to your address if they are happy for you to do so. This is simple to do and can help to avoid any distress for your loved one.
Put up a sign on the letterbox
You may want to consider putting up a sign on the letterbox saying ‘No Junk Mail’, and this can help to reduce the amount of mail from local businesses sending out leaflets. You can buy various stickers at the Stop Junk Mail website.
Postal scams
Many scams target the elderly because they are more vulnerable. Always talk to your loved one and advise them never to act on junk mail or to reply to it in any way. If they do think something needs a reply, make sure they always check with you or someone else first.
It is especially important that they do not provide any personal or financial details. They should also avoid anything that mentions a prize, and on no account should they send money in return for a prize. If you receive a scam – or what you think is a scam – in the post, report it to Trading Standards.
When to report and where to go for help
If you suspect fraud or scam activity, act quickly:
- Report scams to Action Fraud: www.actionfraud.police.uk
- Contact Citizens Advice: For support and guidance on scams and consumer rights
- Call 159: This is the UK’s official fraud-reporting hotline, connecting you with your bank if you’re concerned about a suspicious call
- For postal scams, report to Royal Mail Scam Mail at scam.mail@royalmail.com
A helping hand at home
For 80 years, Prestige Nursing & Care has been trusted by our clients and their families to provide competent and compassionate home care. Our care is focused on improving health and overall well-being, and all in the place people love most – their own homes.
Call us on 0808 239 1525 and our friendly care experts will discuss your care and support needs. You can also fill out our online enquiry form or email info@prestige-nursing.co.uk. We provide impartial guidance and advice so you can make the right choice for you and your family.
