Lanarkshire army veteran robbed of thousands after vile scammers targeted grandad

An army veteran was "robbed" out of thousands of pounds after being targeted by sick online scammers.

Grandad Ian Gardner, a retired mechanical engineer from Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, fell victim to a ransomware attack which not only left him out of pocket, but also snatched away his independence.

Ian relied on his computer to write memoirs, connect with family on Skype, and store decades of treasured photographs. He had written thousands of words on his life from his time serving with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Malaya in Southeast Asia during the 1960s to working as an engineer at Glasgow Central Station.

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But vile scammers infiltrated his PC and wiped his files, and left him anxious and disconnected in his final years. He passed away in 2017, aged 78.

His grandson Jordan Reid, 32, said: "The computer was a huge part of his life until scammers wiped everything. After the incident, he only really used the computer to play solitaire.

"The attack wasn’t simply about losing data — he lost his connection to so many things, which was heartbreaking. He’d been such a confident, capable man, but the scammers really put a dent in that. When I found out, I kept thinking, ‘How many other families are dealing with the same thing?’

"He didn’t tell anyone until his dying days, but we knew something had changed. It’s so common in this age group – they’re embarrassed, and they don’t want to be seen as victims."

Jordan has taken his grandfather's awful experience and used it to try to protect over 50s from becoming victims of fraud, through launching a "groundbreaking" cybersecurity service.

It comes as a report from Independent Age found that scams cost older people in the UK an average of nearly £4,000 each. Another study by Age UK revealed that 1.2 million older adults lie awake at night worrying about online fraud.

He added: "It’s not because older people aren’t capable – far from it. It’s because scammers know where the money is – over 50s control most of the wealth in the UK. Many over-50s are incredibly tech-savvy, but the tools to protect themselves haven’t kept pace with the scale of the threat, and even the most capable individuals can fall victim.

"AI is a game changer for scammers. They can create fake websites, emails, or even phone calls in seconds. It’s all designed to exploit the weakest links. From fake delivery texts to convincing phone scams about unpaid bills, the tactics are constantly evolving. It’s not just the financial loss — it’s the stress, anxiety, and isolation that follows."

Jordan co-founded SENGUARD, with cyber security expert Grant McAdam, a cybersecurity subscription service tailored specifically for people aged 50 and over. It provides scam surveillance, account security, and privacy protection in a way that’s "simple and accessible."

Features include voice-guided navigation for users with visual impairments and clear, jargon-free instructions.

The Glasgow-based start-up has already gained major recognition, securing £75,000 from the prestigious Scottish EDGE competition. The funding will support the firm as it expands pilot programs to cities across the UK, including London, Newcastle, and Dundee, as the company refines its product with real-world testing.

Jordan continued: "I hope this will protect older adults and help families support their loved ones. It’s not always easy to bring up online safety, but it’s so important. Ask your parents or grandparents if they’ve had any suspicious messages. Let them know it’s okay to ask for help. Scammers rely on silence to succeed, so starting the conversation is the first step.

"This technology is my way of ensuring no one else has to go through what my grandpa did. Every time we help someone avoid becoming a victim, I think of him. His experience is at the heart of everything we do. It’s not about scaring people — it’s about making the internet a safer place for older generations by restoring their confidence, protecting their independence, and giving families peace of mind by providing simple tools to stay safe online."

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