Older people are being urged to hang up on unexpected callers to protect themselves from fraud.
The advice was shared during a fraud awareness session in Kendal, held in partnership with broadband provider Fibrus.
Fifteen members of Chatter Matters, a social group for older residents that meets weekly at Kendal Leisure Centre, attended the event.
They spoke about the scams they encounter, including frequent calls from individuals claiming to represent banks, insurance companies, or phone providers.
Fibrus, which has been rolling out its full fibre network in Cumbria since 2024, delivered a presentation on online safety and scam prevention.
Georgina Harland, community engagement specialist at Fibrus, said: "Spotting scams has sadly become a part of life for many older people.
"Fraudsters might pretend to be offering a pension review or be from a person’s bank or the police.
"We tell people to hang up if they have doubts about a caller.
"Though it can feel uncomfortable, it’s never rude to end an unexpected call."
The session was informed by guidance from Cumbria Police and Age UK.
It aimed to help attendees feel safer when dealing with calls, texts, emails, and online shopping.
Topics covered included the dangers of opening email attachments, clicking on fraudulent links, and AI-generated content designed to mislead.
Attendees also discussed the importance of reporting scams, even if they feel embarrassed or ashamed.
Contact details for reporting crime were shared, including the centralised phone number 159, which can be used to freeze a bank account or payment card.
Maureen Glen, a member of the group, said: "At our age, it’s so easy to get scammed, I think that’s why they all target us.
"I regularly get calls from people, and I just put the phone down.
"I’m not giving any information out."
Another member, Lois Hurst, said: "You don’t always think about things – the telephone goes and it happens.
"A caller wanted my bank details and I said, ‘I could be talking to any Tom, Dick or Harry,’ and I put the phone down.
"That’s the only time I’ve ever had one on the phone, but on my iPad, I’m deleting scam emails all the time."
Chatter Matters is one of several groups run by Westmorland and Furness Council to support older people with social opportunities and practical advice.
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