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Older adults and “scams”: Evidence from the Mass Observation Archive
Bailey, Jan Taylor, Louise Kingston, Paul Watts, Geoffrey
Bailey, Jan
Taylor, Louise
Kingston, Paul
Watts, Geoffrey
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EPub Date
Publication Date
2021-01-06
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Abstract
Purpose
The issue of financial abuse is highlighted the Care Act (2014). One category of financial abuse is consumer fraud or “scams”. Evidence suggests that scams are becoming increasingly ubiquitous, yet how scams impact older adults remains under-researched. This paper reports the data from 80 older adults’ written response to a Mass Observation Archive Directive, commissioned in autumn 2015, focusing on scams.
Study design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was utilised with data captured via written responses to a set of questions. There was no limit on the length of written accounts and respondents remained anonymous. Data were analysed thematically, resulting in 4 key themes.
Findings
The data indicated scams impact individuals in terms of health and wellbeing, irrespective of whether they have experienced financial loss, and trigger implementation of strategies intended to avoid being defrauded. There was also evidence of scam related stigma with individuals who are defrauded being subject to derision and censure.
Originality/value
This paper adopts an original approach to collecting rich, candid data about an under-researched topic. The authors highlight that anti-scam interventions should equip individuals to identify and avoid scams without inciting fear or anxiety; proposing this may be facilitated by drawing on health and safety risk assessment protocol when designing anti-scam interventions.
Social implications
Individuals who have been victimised by fraudsters may need access to practical and emotional support. This requires the design of appropriate interventions and the stigma associated with being scammed to be addressed.
Citation
Bailey, J., Taylor, L., Kingston, P., & Watts, G. (2020). Older adults and “scams”: Evidence from the Mass Observation Archive. Journal of Adult Protection, 23(1), 57-69. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-07-2020-0030
Publisher
Emerald
Journal
The Journal of Adult Protection
Research Unit
DOI
10.1108/JAP-07-2020-0030
PubMed ID
PubMed Central ID
Type
Article
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Description
Series/Report no.
ISSN
1466-8203
EISSN
2042-8669