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.
For more information on this topic, click these links
BBC Bitesize information on How to Spot a Scam
Link: www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zgg6cxs
Which? How to spot a fake, fraudulent or scam website
Link: www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/how-to-spot-a-fake-fraudulent-or-scam-website-aUBir8j8C3kZ
For links to scam-related services and resources, click this link:
Nationally available services and resources to support everyday life – Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
References:
How does autism affect recognition and avoidance of financial scams? My Patient Advice article by Lucia Alvarez MSc, reviewed by Dr Rebecca Fernandez
Link: mypatientadvice.co.uk/knowledge-base/autism/daily-life-functioning/daily-living-skills/how-does-autism-affect-recognition-and-avoidance-of-financial-scams/
Autism, online offending and victimization – Article from Autism Spectrum News 05/07/2023. By Mary R.Cohen, PhD and Reginald Candio PsyD
Link: autismspectrumnews.org/autism-online-offending-and-victimization
