Scammers who targeted grandpa Ian Gardner stole thousand of pounds. But the effect on the army veteran cut much deeper than the lost money leaving the pensioner losing much of his independence for his final years.
Now his grandson is fighting back against the crooks, determined that some good should come out of his grandfather’s experience. Jordan Reid only learned that his grandfather had fallen victim to a ransomware attack with fraudsters infiltrating his PC and wiping his files shortly before the pensioner’s death.
The scam not only cost Ian thousands of pounds but also stripped him of his independence leaving him feeling isolated and distressed during his final years. The retired mechanical engineer from Coatbridge, near Glasgow, passed away in 2017 at the age of 78.
But for years he used his computer to write his memoirs and to stay connected with family via Skype. He stored decades of cherished photographs and had documented his life extensively, from serving with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Malaya during the 1960s to his years working as an engineer at Glasgow Central Station.
Keen to put a stop to scammers, the attack on his grandfather inspired Jordan to create a pioneering cybersecurity service aimed at protecting people over 50 from fraud. The 32-year-old 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.”
This situation isn’t unique though with a report from Independent Age revealing 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.
Reid 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.”
Talking about the rise of AI, which is a debate among many as to whether it’s more harmful than good, he explained: “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.”
Determined to make a difference, Jordan co-founded SENGUARD, a cybersecurity subscription service tailored specifically for people aged 50 and over. In the hopes of combating scammers and not letting anyone go through what his grandfather went through, he co-founded the company with cyber security expert, Grant McAdam.
Making it 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.”