Project Summary

Older adults are targeted by financial scammers up to 27 times more than younger people, yet most digital banking tools are not designed with their needs in mind. As bank branches close and services move online, many older adults feel excluded and vulnerable. Our previous research with older adults in Swansea revealed that they think about digital security in four distinct ways and rely on specific strategies, like immediately verifying suspicious messages with their bank. However, current banking apps and websites don’t accommodate these approaches. The DEFEND Impact project addresses this gap by developing tools tailored to the Welsh context, reflecting local service provision, community support structures, and older adults’ needs in real-world settings. These include a user-friendly web application to support verification of fraudulent communications, alongside short YouTube tutorials demonstrating key security behaviours. Working with Swansea Council and local non-profit organisations (COPA), we will deliver and evaluate these tools through community-based sessions, enabling older adults to engage and provide feedback. We will also engage local banking stakeholders throughout the project. The aim is to develop an evidence-based approach that supports safer decision-making, builds confidence, and can inform wider adoption by banks, local authorities, and policymakers across the UK.