Scams and fraud can affect anyone, but disabled and Deaf people are often targeted and may face extra barriers when it comes to staying safe or reporting it.
Information and advice
Fraudsters often target disabled or Deaf individuals with manipulative and deceptive tactics – everything from impersonation and romance scams to AI-generated deepfakes. This page will help you spot warning signs, take actions to protect yourself, and know where to turn if you’ve been affected.
It’s important to understand the different types of scams so you know what to watch out for.
If something doesn’t feel right, take a moment to stop and think before reacting.
There are accessible, step-by-step guides to help people with learning disabilities stay safe
If you think you’ve been scammed, act quickly and seek support.
We are not a crisis service.
If you feel you might harm yourself or are in immediate danger, call 999.
An easy-read guide with pictures and simple steps to help you recognise and avoid scams.
Guidance on how people with learning disabilities can protect themselves and report fraud.
Advice for disabled people on spotting online scams and staying safe online.
Need someone to listen right now? Our peer-support line offers friendly, trained listeners by phone or video.
Support for people who’ve experienced a crime, including scams or fraud.
Don’t send anything. End contact and speak to someone you trust or report it to Action Fraud.
If the message feels strange or unexpected, it might be a scam. Always check the source using official contact details.
Yes – and you should. Scammers are clever and anyone can be caught out. Reporting helps protect others too.
Use Mencap’s Easy Read guide, or contact our Time to Talk service for one-to-one support.