Over 65? Gardening Instincts Can Help You Spot Financial Fraud

Published: 15 August 2025 — The English Chronicle Desk

Older adults are being urged to use the same instincts they rely on when tending to their gardens to protect themselves against financial fraud. A new awareness campaign, “Protect Your Patch,” launched by Take Five to Stop Fraud in partnership with BBC Gardeners’ World’s Rachel de Thame and the National Allotment Society, encourages over-65s to apply the skills and habits developed in gardening to spotting suspicious financial activity.

Research conducted by Censuswide for Take Five in July, surveying 1,000 people aged 65 and above across the UK, found that 94 per cent have either a garden or allotment. While nearly three in ten older adults would turn to family or friends for gardening advice, only one in ten would seek guidance from the same trusted sources regarding financial fraud. Organisers of the campaign believe that applying the same curiosity, observation, and consultation used in gardening can make a real difference in preventing scams.

Rachel de Thame, presenter of BBC Gardeners’ World, said: “We can’t bury our heads in the soil when it comes to being educated about the latest tricks that fraudsters use. I’d like to encourage everyone to apply the same level of care and attention to protecting their finances as they would to nurturing their allotments. Fraudsters are an invasive species, and we need to keep them out of our carefully nurtured and highly prized patches.”

The survey also revealed that older adults take great pride in non-financial achievements, such as raising a family and enjoying the company of grandchildren (48 per cent) and maintaining good physical health (31 per cent). Financial independence was the source of pride for more than half of respondents (57 per cent), while 25 per cent highlighted the importance of long-standing friendships.

Catriona Still, spokesperson for Take Five to Stop Fraud, highlighted the parallels between gardening and financial vigilance: “Like weeds in a garden, fraud can take root unexpectedly and catch you off guard. By leaning on trusted voices—friends, family, and community members—you can stay safe from scams. Getting a second opinion and taking a moment to challenge anything that doesn’t feel right helps protect your patch and keeps your money safe. Criminals are increasingly sophisticated, and the impact of fraud can be devastating both emotionally and financially.”

Mike Farrell, chairman of the National Allotment Society, added: “Allotments play a vital role in supporting mental, physical, and nutritional wellbeing, and protecting financial wellbeing is an important extension of that. By helping members and the wider growing community stay alert to the risks of fraud, we are not only safeguarding individuals but also strengthening trust and resilience within our allotment sites.”

The campaign coincides with National Allotments Week, held from 11 to 17 August, and Take Five is reminding people to adopt three key practices: Stop – take a moment to think before parting with money or information; Challenge – it is acceptable to refuse or ignore suspicious requests; and Protect – contact your bank immediately and report fraud to Action Fraud if you suspect a scam.

By combining community awareness with everyday vigilance, “Protect Your Patch” aims to equip older adults with the tools to defend their finances as effectively as they nurture their gardens.