Story Highlight
– Marc Cananur advocates for protecting vulnerable individuals from scams.
– Dementia increases susceptibility to financial exploitation and fraud.
– Simple measures can help prevent scams for dementia patients.
– Lasting Power of Attorney aids in financial decision-making.
– Dementia UK offers support through Admiral Nurses and helpline.
Full Story
Marc Cananur, a finance and security expert well-known for his work on BBC Morning Live and Channel 4’s Hunted, is calling on the public to help safeguard vulnerable individuals, particularly those affected by dementia. His advocacy follows a personal experience with his father’s recent dementia diagnosis, highlighting the importance of protection against fraud.
In collaboration with Dementia UK, Cananur is leveraging his extensive background in law enforcement and security to raise awareness about the increased risk of scams targeting those living with dementia. He emphasises that such individuals often experience difficulties in judgement, decision-making, communication, and comprehension, making them prime targets for opportunistic criminals.
“Criminals are aware that people living with dementia can be more susceptible to scams, and are willing to exploit these vulnerabilities to defraud them of money and information using a number of techniques,” Cananur explains. “It’s crucial to not only provide advice but also to implement protective measures around them.”
His sentiments are echoed by Paul Edwards, Chief Nursing Officer at Dementia UK, who states that nearly one million people in the UK are currently living with dementia. This significant number translates to an increasing demand for caregiving, as family members and friends allocate time and resources to their loved ones. Edwards notes, “Scams can be hard to detect and can affect anyone, but people living with dementia may be more vulnerable to being scammed or defrauded, so it’s important that carers are aware of how to spot potential scams.”
To mitigate the risk of scams, Cananur offers practical advice for preventing fraud from taking place. Many scams begin with unsolicited phone calls, emails, or even door-to-door approaches. He suggests several proactive measures to help protect individuals with dementia:
1. **Reduce unwanted calls**: Register with the Telephone Preference Service to decrease the number of unsolicited marketing calls received. Using call-blocking services offered by phone providers can also further protect against unwanted communication.
2. **Implement email security**: Adding spam filters to email accounts can help minimise the chances of falling victim to email scams.
3. **Inform about cold calls**: Displaying a “no cold callers” sign on front doors can deter potential scammers from approaching.
Regarding financial management, simplifying financial situations can significantly reduce susceptibility to fraud. Cananur advises:
– Establishing direct debits for regular bills to avoid missed payments.
– Keeping cash on hand to a minimum.
– Setting daily withdrawal limits on bank cards.
– Activating banking alerts for unusual transaction activity; many banks now offer ‘trusted contact’ alerts for suspicious behaviour.
– Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for property and financial affairs, appointing a trusted relative or friend to safeguard financial decisions.
Vigilance is crucial when supporting someone who may fall victim to scams. Family members and caregivers should remain alert to warning signs, including large or atypical cash withdrawals, requests for money from newly developed acquaintances, unpaid bills despite sufficient funds, confusion regarding payments or purchases, excessive calls from unknown numbers, and a sudden reluctance to discuss financial matters.
Cananur also shares essential guidelines for preventing scams that both caregivers and those with dementia should familiarise themselves with:
– Never disclose bank details to unexpected callers.
– Immediately hang up on callers requesting money or personal information.
– Avoid clicking links in emails or texts from unrecognised sources.
– Always confirm any financial transaction with a trusted individual beforehand.
– Report any suspected scams promptly through Report Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre.
Dementia UK has extended its resources by partnering with Nationwide, providing in-person assistance in over 200 branches across the country. This initiative is part of Nationwide’s Fairer Futures programme, addressing significant social challenges through charitable partnerships. The building society is funding 30 dementia specialist Admiral Nurses, who can provide tailored and confidential support in private settings within their branches. Appointments can be arranged online, making it easier for families to access the necessary help.
Jim Winters, Head of Financial Crime at Nationwide, highlights the heightened risk of fraud for individuals with dementia. “Dementia can increase someone’s risk of being targeted by scammers as criminals look for any opportunity they can find,” he stated. “Arranging a Power of Attorney early, while someone still has capacity, offers extra protection from scams and simplifies financial management.”
Expert Martin Lewis emphasises the importance of establishing a Lasting Power of Attorney, suggesting that it’s a necessary step for anyone concerned about future capacity. He explains that an LPA is more critical than a will, as it dictates financial and health care decision-making while the individual is still alive but potentially incapacitated.
“There are two types of LPA,” Lewis notes. “The Health and Welfare LPA allows someone to make decisions about daily routines, medical care, and life-sustaining treatment. The Property and Financial Affairs LPA enables appointed individuals to handle financial matters, including managing bank accounts and paying bills.”
In these challenging times, it remains vital for families and caregivers to advocate for those living with dementia, ensuring they are protected from the dangers posed by scammers. By implementing protective measures and remaining vigilant, we can collectively build a safer environment for some of the UK’s most vulnerable citizens.
Our Thoughts
The news article highlights the vulnerability of individuals living with dementia to financial scams and emphasizes the importance of protective measures. To avoid such incidents, key actions could include implementing more robust safeguards, such as establishing Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) sooner, which would allow trusted individuals to manage finances and protect against exploitation. The lack of proactive regulatory measures could be seen as a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which mandates employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of others, including vulnerable individuals.
While individuals are primarily responsible for the protection of their vulnerable relatives, local authorities and community organizations could enhance awareness campaigns and training for families and carers on spotting fraud signs. The introduction of accessible educational resources could better equip them to combat scams, thereby addressing the issue of informed consent and understanding among those living with dementia.
Preventative measures such as registering with the Telephone Preference Service and using call-blocking services are essential steps; however, ongoing education about financial management and potential scams is equally necessary. Regular conversations within families about finances can create an environment of vigilance and support.
