People with dementia amongst those targeted in £93m fraud losses
The City of London Police has released figures showing that 3,812 reports of fraud by abuse of position were made during the financial year 2025/26.
Fraud by abuse of position is where someone exploits a relationship – such as a relative, friend or carer – to access another person’s money or assets, with misuse of powers of attorney being an example of this.
In 2025/26, £93.8 million was lost by older and vulnerable people, with dementia referenced in 337 reports.
Detective Superintendent Oliver Little, from the Lead Force Operations Room at the City of London Police, says:
“These offences can have a devastating impact because they are committed by people who have been trusted to act in the victim’s best interests. The fact that people aged 70 or over had more than £51 million stolen highlights the significant threat this fraud poses to older and sometimes more vulnerable members of our communities.
We want families, carers and those responsible for managing another person’s affairs to know the warning signs and report concerns, so we can better protect those at risk.” For more information, including what to do if you are concerned that someone you know may be at risk of fraud or you think fraud has been committed, please visit: https://www.cityoflondon.police.uk/news/city-of-london/news/2026/september/trusted-family-members-friends-and-carers-stole-51-million-from-pensioners-city-of-london-police-reveals/