Official figures from the Government, which has just launched Stop! Think Fraud, show one in 17 adults have been victims of fraud. And nine out of 10 have encountered online scams, according to Ofcom. But we can take precautions…
1 BE WARY
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your bank, hang up, search for the company’s number online and call them directly. Scammers are able to change their caller ID, so be vigilant, even if it’s a number you recognise.
Stay safe: Legitimate organisations won’t ask you to transfer money or ask you to say/type passwords. If you’re being asked for this, hang up, close the tab on your computer or delete messages.
2 LOVE BITES
Be aware of romance fraudsters. On dating sites, fraudsters take on different identities using fake names and fake profile pictures, in the hope of scamming matches out of money. According to UK Finance, £18.5m was lost to romance scams in the first half of 2023, an increase of 26 per cent on the previous year. Stay safe: Never transfer money to people you’ve never met.
3 ARE YOU DUE COMPENSATION?
Following the PPI misselling scandal of the last decade, scammers worked overtime in sending out fake text messages offering compensation. Now motorists, in particular, are being targeted in the ongoing aftermath of the ‘Dieselgate’ scandal, as well as the growing scandal over car leasing payments.
Stay safe: ‘Research the firm or individual offering compensation to verify their legitimacy,’ says Dom Watt, legal expert at First Vehicle Leasing. Look for reviews, check their website, and ensure they’re authorised by the relevant body. best for CASH ADVICE
4 IT’S IN THE POST!
We all love shopping online, but be wary of messages saying that addit
