Why autistic people can be more at risk
- Autistic people may process communication differently, which scammers exploit.
- This risk is never the autistic person’s fault — scammers choose to lie and manipulate.
- Some autistic people take words literally, making lies harder to spot.
- Tone of voice, hints or emotional pressure can be confusing or overwhelming.
- Loneliness or wanting connection can be exploited by scammers who pretend to be friendly.
- Stress, anxiety or sensory overload can make quick decisions harder.
- Many autistic people spend more time online, which can hide the scammer’s identity.
Common signs of a scam
Scammers often use:
- urgency (“act now”)
- authority (“from your bank”)
- emotional manipulation
- false rewards
- threats
- fake official documents or websites
Examples of different types of scams
Phishing scams
Emails, texts or messages pretending to be from trusted organisations, trying to make you click a link or share details.
Phone call scams (vishing)
Someone calls pretending to be official (e.g. NHS or bank) and asks for payment or information.
Online shopping scams
Fake adverts or websites that take money but send nothing or send a cheap fake item.
Romance scams
Someone builds a relationship online, then asks for money — often to “visit” you.
Investment or cryptocurrency scams
High pressure offers promising unrealistic returns, sometimes pretending to be your bank.
Prize or lottery scams
Messages saying you’ve won a prize, but you must pay a fee to claim it.
Identity theft
Someone uses your personal information to open accounts or take money in your name.
Social media impersonation
Fake accounts pretending to be a friend, relative or celebrity asking for help or money.
Employment scams
Fake working from home jobs asking for bank details or upfront “set-up” payments.
Subscription or service scams
Fake renewal messages (e.g. TV licence, streaming services) asking for payment.
Why scams work
Scammers understand human feelings. They create:
- fear (“Your account will be closed”)
- pressure (“Do it now”)
- curiosity (“Click to see your parcel info”)
- hope (“You’ve won a prize”)
This can make anyone act quickly.
Autistic people may feel this more because many value clarity, logic and complete information — and uncertainty can feel uncomfortable.
Tips to help you avoid becoming a scam victim
Online scams
- Be cautious if someone becomes friendly very quickly or asks personal questions early on.
• Never share personal or financial details unless you are certain who you are speaking to.
• Trust your instincts — pause if something feels unusual.
• If unsure, show the message to someone you trust.
Email scams (phishing)
- Delete suspicious emails straight away.
• Check if you recognise the sender and whether you expected the message.
• Look closely at email addresses, links and phone numbers.
• Hover over links to see the real website (without clicking).
• Be wary of requests to renew, verify or share login details — real organisations will not ask this.
• Look for warning signs such as pushy language, spelling errors or poor quality logos.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now used to create more convincing scam messages, so check messages carefully.
In person scams (cold callers)
- Ask yourself: “Do I know who this really is?”
• Real workers will show ID and explain who they represent.
• Scammers may become defensive or pushy if questioned.
• It is okay to close the door, say no, or walk away.
Postal scams
- Be cautious of letters saying you’ve won a prize you never entered.
• Never pay upfront fees, even if they’re called “handling” or “delivery” charges.
• Look out for poor printing, odd wording or unfamiliar branding.
• Treat urgent messages or pressure to act fast as a warning sign.
Use the UK “Take Five to Stop Fraud” advice
Stop, think, and check.
Click here to access the Take Five to Stop Fraud website.
Build skills and confidence
- Learn how to safely use websites, messages and online tools.
• Parents and carers can explore resources to support others.
• A helpful list of tools is available here: Online media literacy resources – GOV.UK
• Use social stories or visual examples if this supports learning – Click here for our social stories article on Autism Space.
• Practise saying “no” to unknown callers or messages.
• Block or ignore messages from people or organisations you do not know.
How to report scams in the UK
- If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
• If money is taken, contact your bank immediately.
• Report scams to Action Fraud:
Phone: 0300 123 2040
Website: Click here for the Action Fraud website.
• Get help from Citizens Advice:
Phone: 0808 223 1133
Website: Click here for the Citizens Advice website.
Key points
- A scam is when someone lies to take money or personal information.
• Autistic people may be more at risk because scammers exploit trust, communication differences and pressure.
• Slowing down, checking information and learning common tactics helps reduce risk.
• If a scam happens, act quickly — contact your bank and report to Action Fraud.
• If you feel unsafe or threatened, call 999.
