When we talk about digital literacy, the conversation often centres around younger generations—navigating social media, managing online accounts, or using the latest apps. But there’s an increasing need to support older adults in the UK with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe, particularly when it comes to phone safety.
For many older people, the telephone—especially a landline—remains a vital link to the outside world. It’s how they stay connected to family, GPs, carers, and friends. Unfortunately, their age also makes them prime targets for scammers, cold callers, and fraudsters.
Recently, call blockers—straightforward, easy-to-use devices—have emerged as an effective solution to combat unwanted calls. However, technology alone isn’t enough. Awareness and education are just as important. By combining call blockers with basic digital literacy, we can equip older adults with the confidence to stay safe, informed, and in control.
Why Phone Safety Matters for Older Adults in the UK
Phone scams disproportionately affect older people. According to Action Fraud (the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime), people aged 60 and over are more likely to fall victim to telephone-based scams than any other age group. Why?
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Landline reliance: Many older adults still rely on traditional landlines, which don’t have the same built-in security features as smartphones.
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Trusting Behaviour: Older individuals may be more inclined to engage with unknown callers out of politeness—something scammers readily exploit.
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Limited digital exposure: A lack of familiarity with terms like “spoofing” or “robocalls” can make it harder to identify a scam.
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Loneliness and isolation: For some, a phone call—even from a stranger—may feel like a welcome conversation.
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Cognitive changes: Memory or decision-making impairments due to age can increase vulnerability.
But the impact isn’t just financial. Repeated scam or nuisance calls can lead to stress, anxiety, and even fear of using the phone.
The Role of Call Blockers
Call blockers provide a practical, user-friendly solution to nuisance and scam calls—especially for those using landlines. Specifically designed with older adults in mind, devices like the UK-based CPR Call Blocker don't require complicated technology or mobile apps.
Key benefits of using a call blocker:
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Automatically blocks known scam numbers using an up-to-date database.
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It allows trusted numbers to ring through, ensuring that important calls from family or doctors are not missed.
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One-touch blocking lets users block nuisance calls instantly.
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This feature reduces call fatigue and restores confidence in answering the phone.
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This feature also helps to prevent repeat harassment from persistent callers, eliminating the need for confrontation.
But even the best call blocker needs to be part of a broader conversation about awareness and confidence.
Teaching Digital Literacy Through Phone Safety
Digital literacy doesn’t mean mastering a smartphone—it starts with a few essential skills and habits that make everyday technology safer and more manageable for older users.
Spotting Common Scams
Scammers often pretend to be from the HMRC, NHS, banks, or even a relative in distress. They might demand urgent action, request payments in gift cards, or ask for personal details. Teaching older people to stop, think, and ask questions can go a long way in preventing harm.
Understanding Spoofing
Many scam calls appear to come from local or familiar numbers. This is called number spoofing, where the caller ID is manipulated to appear trustworthy. Just because a number looks local doesn’t mean it’s safe.
Using Call Blockers Confidently
Helping older adults understand how to install and use a call blocker—especially features like one-touch blocking or adding numbers to a safe list—makes the device far more effective.
Encouraging Support-Seeking
It’s crucial that older adults know they don’t need to deal with scam calls alone. Encourage them to reach out to family members, Age UK, local councils, or community organisations to provide practical help and reassurance.
Not Engaging With Unknown Callers
Even answering a call and saying “yes” can mark a number as active to scammers. Letting unfamiliar numbers go to voicemail and not engaging with cold callers is one of the simplest and safest habits to adopt.
Real-Life Examples: Safety Through Simplicity
Take Margaret, an 82-year-old in Kent, who was receiving over a dozen scam calls a day—from fake accident claims to false energy company reps. After her daughter installed a CPR Call Blocker V5000 and showed her how to block numbers with a single press, the calls dropped dramatically. “I can finally enjoy my cuppa without jumping every time the phone rings,” she says.
Or David and Sylvia, a couple in Manchester, nearly fell for a scam involving someone claiming to be from their bank. Thanks to a neighbour who helped them understand spoofing and use their call blocker properly, they avoided the scam and now speak at their local Age UK group to raise awareness.
The CPR Call Blocker Advantage in the UK
One trusted option is the CPR Call Blocker, designed for homes and businesses alike. It can block thousands of known scam numbers instantly:
Pre-Programmed Protection: It immediately blocks thousands of nuisance numbers.
Manual Control: Easily add new numbers to your block list as they appear.
Plug-and-Play Setup: Simple to install and start using immediately.
Reliable Updates: Regular database updates keep protection current against the latest scams.
User-Friendly Interface: Perfect for hosts who want effective protection without complicated tech.
Whether you’re an experienced UK Superhost or just starting out, CPR Call Blocker helps streamline operations and offer guests a more professional experience.
Conclusion
Helping older adults protect themselves from scam calls in the UK doesn’t require tech expertise. It begins with a conversation, a simple tool, and support from the community.
By pairing call blockers with practical digital literacy, we can empower older adults to use their phones with confidence—free from fear and intrusion.
Whether you're a family member, carer, or community worker, now is the perfect time to introduce someone to phone safety. Sometimes, simply pressing a button can restore peace to their phone line.
Are you prepared to regain control over your phone line? Please browse our selection of products or contact us so we can assist you. Keep robocalls out—keep your guests in.