New research* released today by Take Five to Stop Fraud reveals that Britain’s over 65s remain proud of their families and gardens, with 94% having either a garden or allotment – green spaces in which many seek solace and community engagement. The same group expressed anxiety about keeping themselves safe from financial fraud. 

Marrying the common interests of spending time with family and in the garden and to bolster Brit’s ability to root out financial fraud, Take Five to Stop Fraud has partnered with BBC Gardeners’ World’s Rachel De Thame and the National Allotment Society to launch a new awareness drive called ‘Protect Your Patch’. It encourages people to use the same habits they rely on in gardening, like asking their community questions and sharing advice, to help protect themselves against financial fraud.

The new findings show that those nearing retirement age, are almost three times more likely to turn to family or friends for gardening tips (29%¹), than for advice on financial fraud (10%). But those same instincts - asking questions and talking things through with people you trust - can make a real difference when it comes to spotting and stopping fraud.

When asked what gives them the biggest sense of pride in life generally, joy in raising a family and experiencing the joy of grandchildren topped the charts at 48%, with remaining physically healthy coming in second (31%). 1 in 4 (25%) people also expressed pride in the strong and long-lasting friendships they had formed. 

But it’s not just providing love and care to their families that over 65s find pride in. When asked about gardening, 43%[1] agreed that helping wildlife gave them the strongest sense of pride. This was followed by successfully growing produce (36%¹). Just over 1 in 5 (21%¹) also found pride in sharing the harvest of their garden with others.

Alongside pride in their gardening prowess, when asked about what they feel most proud of when it comes to finances, the over 65s strongly valued their financial independence, with over half (57%) saying it gave them a strong sense of pride.

Research from Independent Age also showed this is the most at-risk age group. Among over 65s, three in five people have been targeted by fraudsters, with the average scam costing victims £4,000 ^[1] . 

Protecting against fraud, one plot at a time

Throughout National Allotment Week (11^th – 17^th August), Take Five is reminding people how to enact the Take Five behaviours, by calling on everyone to strengthen their defences, and: 

• Stop: Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information. It could keep you safe.
• Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
• Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been scammed and report it to Action Fraud. 

Rachel De Thame, BBC Gardeners’ World presenter, said: 

We can’t bury our head in the soil when it comes to being educated and informed about the latest tricks that fraudsters will try and use to commit crimes against us. I’d like to encourage everyone to apply the same level of care and attention to protecting their finances and savings, as they would to nurturing their allotments. Fraudsters are an invasive species, which have no place infiltrating our finances. So, let’s stay informed about what we need to do to keep them out of our carefully nurtured and highly prized patches.

Catriona Still, spokesperson for Take Five to Stop Fraud, said: 

Like weeds in a garden, fraud can take root unexpectedly and catch you off guard. We’re seeing people turn to friends, family and their community for gardening advice and by leaning on those trusted voices, it can also help you stay safe from fraud by talking to someone about requests out of the blue. By getting a second opinion from someone you know and taking a moment to stop and challenge anything that doesn’t feel right, you can protect your patch and keep your money safe. “Criminals are getting more sophisticated, and the impact of fraud can often be devastating - both emotionally and financially so it’s important to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign.

Mike Farrell, Chairman of the National Allotment Society, said: 

I’m delighted that the National Allotment Society has teamed up with Take Five to Stop Fraud for this year’s National Allotments Week. Allotments play a vital role in supporting people’s mental, physical, and nutritional wellbeing — and protecting financial wellbeing is an important part of that. “By helping our members and the wider growing community stay informed and alert to the risks of fraud, we’re not only safeguarding individuals but also strengthening the sense of trust and resilience within our allotment sites. We encourage everyone to get involved, join a webinar, and make use of the helpful resources available.