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Cited by 6Elder Abuse and NeglectCybercrime and Law Enforcement StudiesTechnology Use by Older Adults

Fear of fraud amongst older adults: a hidden epidemic?

Open access
Button, Mark, Shepherd, David, Hawkins, Chloe, Tapley, Jacki·2025·Security Journal
DOI 10.1057/s41284-025-00485-1
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Abstract

Abstract This paper explores older adults who are largely over 75 and their experience of fraud, based upon research with the clients of a UK charity working with this age group. The researchers used a postal questionnaire yielding almost 2000 responses, supplemented with interviews with clients and key staff. The research found higher rates of fraud victimisation than national rates for this age group as well regular attempted frauds, largely through the telephone. The experience of fraud and attempted fraud has a devastating impact on some of the lives of older adults, causing fear, anxiety, and related issues, which affects their quality of life. This is the first study to illustrate that fear of fraud is a major problem amongst older adults, particularly females living alone.

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Crossref · 10.1057/s41284-025-00485-1

Cites

49 of 49 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Population-level evidence indicates that fraud is highly prevalent, particularly among older adults, and increasingly represents a public health concern beyond criminal or economic domains.

    “Population-level evidence indicates that fraud is highly prevalent, particularly among older adults, and increasingly represents a public health concern beyond criminal or economic domains”

    From Mental health and psychosocial sequelae of fraud victimization: a systematic review (2026) · cites this paper as Button et al., 2025

    The Introduction reports rising fraud victimisation among older adults, and “Fraud and older adults” says fraud accounts for around 40% of crime in England and Wales. The Discussion documents anxiety, distress and reduced quality of life beyond financial loss. The paper does not establish that fraud is more prevalent among older adults than other age groups or explicitly characterize its growing impact as a public health concern. (LLM, conf=0.84)

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Cites

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Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. Warr, M. 1984. Fear of victimization: Why are women and the elderly more afraid? Social Science Quar- terly 65 (3): 681.

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Related

Authors
Button, M., Shepherd, D., Hawkins, C., & Tapley, J.
Affiliations
University of Portsmouth (GB)
Corresponding author
Button, Mark
ORCID
Venue
Security Journal
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2025-03
Volume
38
Issue
1
ISSN
  • 0955-1662 (ISSN-L)
  • 1743-4645
DOI
10.1057/s41284-025-00485-1
OpenAlex
W4411654171
Cited by
6
References
49
Citations by year
2026: 6
FWCI
13.51
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
Security Journal (publishedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
Re-engage
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Demography › Elder Abuse and Neglect
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Cybercrime and Law Enforcement Studies
  • Social Sciences › Demography › Technology Use by Older Adults
Keywords
older adults, telephone fraud, quality of life, anxiety, living alone, older women

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