Over one million over-45s have fallen victim to email scams, Aviva Life UK has revealed.

According to its latest Real Retirement Report, almost three in four, 73 per cent, of over-45s (20.61m) with internet access have been targeted by email scams. Of these, 6 per cent, 1.24 million people, had fallen for this online approach.

Email scams were found to be 22 per cent more common among this age group than by phone. Sixty per cent of over-45s, 17 million people had been targeted by phone calls, with 7 per cent falling victim to phone scammers.

Older generations, however, are at greater risk, as 76 per cent of over-75s are likely to be targeted by email scams and 69 per cent by telephone. They are also most likely to have fallen into the fraudsters traps, with 8 per cent of those targeted falling victim to their traps.

A general consensus was found among all age groups questioned (45-64, 65-74 and 75+) that technology made life easier when dealing with finances, this was agreed by 68 per cent of 45-64’s, 74 per cent of 65-74s and 66 per cent of those 75 and over.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, 13 per cent of 45-64s felt their fear of technology holds them back from enjoying the benefits, 15 per cent of 45-64s and 17 per cent of over-75s.

Moreover, over one in four, 28 per cent of over-45s said they believe they would have saved more for retirement if today’s technology had existed when they were younger, rising to 36 per cent among 65-74s.

Aviva UK Life managing director, consumer platform Rodney Prezeau, commented: “Our research dispels the myth that older generations are technophobes. However, it also highlights the security risks that come with lives that are increasingly led or supported by online services. The government is rightly taking action to combat the threat of pension cold-callers in later life, but it is important we don’t forget the additional threats that exist in the digital age.

“The fact that digital advances have had a welcome impact in so many areas of life has left many baby boomers feeling their retirement plans and savings habits would have benefitted from today’s technology. As we move pensions out of the Stone Age and make increasing use of online tools, it is vital we ensure that consumers are fully safeguarded and supported so more people are encouraged to engage with their savings.”

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