How does autism affect recognition and avoidance of financial scams?
Autistic adults and young people can face particular challenges in spotting and avoiding financial scams. Differences in communication, trust, and executive functioning, combined with complex online environments, can make some people more vulnerable to manipulation or deceptive messages. According to NHS safeguarding guidance, understanding and practising digital safety is a key part of independent living support for autistic people.
How autism influences scam recognition
Autistic individuals may take language more literally, assume honesty in others, or find it harder to detect deception and hidden motives. A 2022 study in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders found that autistic adults often rely on facts and explicit cues when judging trustworthiness, which can make them more susceptible to emotionally manipulative or authority-based scams.
Social and sensory differences can also play a role. Anxiety, information overload, or fear of social conflict can make it difficult to challenge a suspicious message or end a conversation. This means scams framed as urgent (“act now”) or authoritative (“from your bank”) can feel particularly stressful to navigate.
Common vulnerabilities and risks
UK safeguarding frameworks highlight that autistic people may be targeted by online fraud, phishing, or impersonation scams. Action Fraud and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) both warn that people with disabilities, including autism, are often at higher risk of manipulation through social engineering or fake official requests.
In some cases, social isolation or limited financial literacy can heighten risk, especially for those managing bills or benefits independently for the first time. According to the National Autistic Society, emotional triggers such as fear, urgency, or rewards can increase stress and cloud decision-making.
Practical supports and prevention strategies
Effective prevention starts with stepwise, concrete learning, teaching what scams look like and how to verify legitimate communication. The Citizens Advice Scams Hub recommends slowing down decisions, never sharing personal details, and checking any message with a trusted person before acting.
Social stories, visual examples, and digital literacy training can help autistic people recognise manipulation and practise refusal skills. Programmes such as Take Five to Stop Fraud and the government’s Stop! Think Fraud campaign are helpful tools for building awareness in accessible ways.
NHS and NICE guidance
The NICE autism guidelines recommend incorporating money safety and independent-living skills, including online and financial risk awareness, into personalised care plans for autistic adults and young people. The UK National Autism Strategy further highlights financial safeguarding and scam prevention as priorities for inclusive education and social care planning.
Key takeaway
Autistic people often process information differently, which can make scam detection harder, but with structured education, visual learning, and calm, trusted support, the risk of exploitation can be greatly reduced. Building scam awareness isn’t just financial protection; it’s a crucial step toward confidence, autonomy, and safety.
