Safety and privacy
Senior adults are targeted by scams more than any other group. This service is built so that talking to someone new never puts you at risk.
Your number is never shared
Calls are connected through a private platform number allocated just for that pairing. When a connection ends, the number is released and can no longer be used to reach you.
Everyone is checked
Every telephone number is verified with a code before matching begins. Members can also complete an identity check, and verified members are clearly marked.
Block instantly, no explanation needed
One button ends the connection and stops that person ever being suggested to you again. You do not have to give a reason and they are never told.
Reports go to real people
Concerns about money, pressure, abusive language or anything that felt wrong are reviewed by our safety team. Serious reports suspend the account immediately while we look into it.
The least information possible
We ask for a first name, an approximate age, a partial postcode area and a phone number. No surnames, no home addresses, and nothing is sold or shared with advertisers.
Consent is always confirmed
When a family member sets up a profile, we contact the older person directly and only begin matching once they have said yes themselves.
Topics to avoid
Friendly calls never need any of the following. Please keep these to yourself:
- Money, or financial details of any kind
- Bank details or payment information
- Your exact home address
- Your full date of birth
- Passwords or account details for anything
If someone brings up any of these, please end the call straight away and contact us — you don't need to explain why. They won't have your real phone number or your exact address, so ending the call keeps you safe. We'll look into it.
Getting help
Whatever the worry, there is always someone to ask.
Report a member or a concern
Open Connections, choose the person, then Report someone. A real person reads every report.
Stop unwanted contact
Use Block to end the connection instantly. The private number stops working and they are never suggested to you again.
Hide or pause your profile
In Settings you can pause matching, turn off notifications, hide your photograph, or close your account.
Contact Elder Connect
Email hello@elderconnect.org.uk. We aim to reply within two working days.
Golden rules for members
- Never send money to anyone you meet through this service, whatever the reason.
- Never share bank details, card numbers, passwords or PINs on a call.
- Keep your surname, address and personal phone number to yourself.
- If a conversation makes you uncomfortable, simply put the phone down and report it.
If something goes wrong
Report the conversation from the “Connections” page. Serious reports — anything involving money, threats or abuse — suspend the other account straight away while our safety team reviews it, and we will tell you what happened.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. To report a scam, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. For urgent emotional support, Samaritans are available day and night on 116 123.