For older people and carers
Printable guides to keep by the phone
Edited by Richard BarkerChecked 13 October 2026
“I made these guides with my grandma in mind.”
Three one-page guides in large print, free to print and share. There is nothing to sign up for. Open a guide, then use the print button or your browser’s print option.
The guides
Is this call a scam? 5 checks
Five questions to ask yourself during a call, and what to do if the answer to any of them is yes.
What to do after a scam call
The steps to take, in order, if you think you have just had a scam call.
Phone numbers to keep by the phone
The official numbers to call or text about scams, with space to add your bank and a family contact.
Tips for carers and family
Stick a printed guide next to the phone they use most. Go through the five checks together once, so the advice is familiar before a scam call comes. Write their bank’s number and a family contact in the spaces on the numbers sheet.
Age UK suggests agreeing a safe word with family and friends, so a caller who claims to be a relative can be checked. For calls to a landline, see our call blocking options, including free call blockers some councils offer to people most at risk.
Sources and checks
This page relies on:
- Ofcom: Types of scam calls, texts and messages
- Ofcom: What to do about a scam call, text or message
- Take Five to Stop Fraud (UK Finance): Protect yourself
- Age UK: Phone scams
- Age UK Advice Line
- Stop Scams UK: 159 phone number
- Report Fraud (City of London Police): national fraud and cyber crime reporting service
- Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
- GOV.UK: Report Fraud, new service from City of London Police (4 December 2025)
Checked on 13 October 2026. Read how reports work. How we check our information. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we will put it right.