Older residents gained valuable tips and practical advice on protecting themselves from fraud and scams during a recent skills workshop delivered by Barclays. The one-hour interactive session took place during Age UK Westminster’s regular coffee morning at Regent Hall on 8 May 2025. A dozen members attended, all supported by the independent charity, which works with people aged 70 and over across the borough.

Participants received lots of new information about how to protect themselves against scams. 

Barclays, whose local branch is on Edgware Road, led the training, offering real-life examples and guidance on how to recognise and avoid a range of increasingly common scams. These included phishing (email scams), vishing (phone scams), and smishing (text message scams).

A recent report highlighted that 61% of those aged over 65 have been the target of fraud or a scam online. The report found that older people who were affected lost on average £3,798.70 per scam.

James from Barclays prepares to deliver fraud and scams training.

James giving an older person advice on protecting themselves from phone scams.

The interactive session included a quiz and Q&A session.

Thank you Marble Arch BID for arranging Barclays Bank to attend the Age UK Westminster coffee morning to provide a presentation on Scams and Fraud. This topic is high on the list of concerns of our members. New ways of convincing people to part with their cash are increasing and often target the most isolated and most vulnerable people. We are grateful to James [facilitator] for sharing his skills and informing those attending of the importance to protect themselves from scams and to identify when a communication is suspect.

Stephen Spavin, Community Services Manager, Age UK Westminster

The activities were arranged as part of our Community Programme which supports our business members to connect to local community groups. From environmental projects to skill-sharing to coffee mornings, there is something to suit every community engagement plan that creates memorable moments and sustainable impact.

If you are a Marble Arch BID member and would like to find out more about the wide range of community engagement and employee volunteering opportunities, please contact Phil at community@marble-arch.london.