Safeguarding adults and mass marketing fraud – Perspectives from the police, trading standards and the voluntary sector

Abstract

Despite the growing awareness of mass marketing fraud (MMF) in the financial abuse of vulnerable older people, little empirical research has been undertaken in this area. This paper is one of the first to consider the perspectives of a range of professionals who work with victims of mass marketing fraud and financial crime. MMF is a growing threat in the financial abuse of older people, and is increasingly recognised as a concern for professionals involved in supporting and safeguarding vulnerable older people. This paper considers the themes emerging from a small exploratory qualitative study into the perspectives of professionals working to safeguard those at risk of MMF and considers some of the complexities involved in tackling MMF. This involves consideration of the techniques used to groom and lure victims in plausible looking frauds, and the factors that serve to reinforce their sustained involvement in such activity.

Keywords:

• Mass marketing fraud
• financial abuse
• safeguarding
• older people

Acknowledgement

The researchers wish to thank all the respondents who shared their experiences for this project. The work was supported by a research grant from London Borough of Croydon.