Cybercrime Against Older Adults

Cybercrime is currently at the forefront of public attention in the UK. There are countless TV, radio programmes and features focusing on scams and fraud and news providers are quick to announce the latest and greatest modus operandi. The UK’s fraud ‘epidemic’ came at a cost of £6.8bn in 2019. Global digitalisation has increased the risk of cybercrime, with evidence showing that risk factors that constellate in older age groups may be associated with greater susceptibility (Lin et al., 2019) as well as significant social, physical, emotional and financial consequences for those who experience it (Tripathi et al., 2019). COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns caused a spike in cybercrime due to increased time spent online (Johnson, and Nikolovska, 2022). Though the growing number of older people with online access has many positive benefits for society and individuals, it has increased exposure of this demographic group to cybercriminals (Cross, 2021). It is imperative that police officers recognise and prioritise the victim’s vulnerabilities in order that the potentially devastating impact can be mitigated or avoided entirely. This chapter will explore: the threats faced by older adults; reasons for their vulnerability, national strategy and protocol; safeguarding and partnerships; and raising awareness.