New technology may make vulnerable elderly people more susceptible to scam artists, warns an advocate for the aged.
David Lloyd, elder protection co-ordinator at Tui Ora, says those aged over 65 come from a trusting generation and take people at face value.
While the financial abuse that makes up 38 per cent of his cases for the past 12 months is largely committed by family members, there is growing concern of the potential abuse from strangers.
In one local case a woman aged well over 65 lost almost $15,000 to overseas scammers using social media.
"She was extremely vulnerable and taken in by a supposed relationship."