Just caught my dad falling for a scam

[Bupo]

Went to visit my dad and found he has been involved in some sort of scam. As far as I can make out he thought he was getting paid to play a game on an app he downloaded. But he did some training online, downloaded PayPal. All sorts. He called me yesterday asking for his security code which I thought was odd as he does not shop online. I went to visit him today and there are all sorts of characters and “businesses” on his phone. I’ve blocked and deleted the lot.

I’ve blocked all the cards (thankfully nothing looks suspicious). I do tend to make sure there’s only spending money available as I know dad is very susceptible to fraudsters. A few years back he had people ringing him up all the time.

But what can I do with the photo id situation? Is there someone to report this to?

Any help would be amazing. I’m not in a great place myself (postpartum depression) but obviously want to sort this for my dad.

Thanks in advance for any help

Action Fraud? What is your concern re, photo id.

What do you mean about photo ID?

Just worried about identity theft

Has he given them photo id?

Ie the cards have been cancelled so that’s fine.

but the fraudsters have his address, name, photo, email. I’ve always understand that those details being compromised could lead to identity theft ie loans being set up in his name.

Just hoping someone could advise what to do to mitigate his identity details being known

a pic of his driver’s license

You can monitor any credit being taken out in his name via a credit check. You might want to look into getting power of attorney set up in case you need to speak with his bank on his behalf in the future. Get him to read through the bank’s scam avoidance information on their website with you.

You can also register for dad for protective registration with CIFAS for 2 years for £30. This puts a marker next to his name so any applications made under it are subject to extra checks by the banks and is for those at high risk of idenity theft.

https://www.cifas.org.uk/pr

Oh amazing, thank you!

The Cifas office is closed to the public. If you require a Protective Registration please use the service below.

I don't understand what that means.
It's still on their site...

Yes I just competed the form and paid

There seems to be a form to fill in from the looks of it so not sure if maybe its just the link isnt working.

It just means you can't go in person, you need to do it online.

Is he having cognitive issues? Can you explain fully to him how to avoid this happening in future? As long as he knows they're definitely scammers and how to protect himself in future I guess all you can do is keep an eye on him. Could you put a block on his bank account so he can only put money into certain other accounts?
Friends, family and bills only.

Do you have Power of Attorney to do all these things for him? Or at least 3rd party authority with his bank(s)?

If not get it asap. Easy to DIY it paying about £88 for the each (finance and health) rather than paying loads to solicitors.

@Bupo

Well done!

The problem with Action Fraud is that they do no casework whatsoever for 99% of fraud; merely gathering information. I would suggest that you perhaps contact whatever "age concern" are now called and speak to them.

It may well be necessary to get in touch with specialist police. My fear would simply be that there is no way to stop this being repeated.

Is there any way to get a new phone number?