A fraud expert has highlighted the top five most popular scams that could cost you your life savings.
More and more criminals are targeting individuals through a range of devious schemes, meaning people have to be more aware than ever that they are at risk.
Paul Hampson is the director of CEL Solicitors, which specialises in helping scam victims recover their cash.
He said: “Fraud is now the most common crime in the UK, accounting for 40 per cent of all incidents and costing victims £2.3billion in 2023.
“It’s crucial that people are aware of how scammers are targeting them so they don’t get caught out.”
AI scams
AI software has evolved dramatically and the criminal fraternity is embracing it.
Mr Hampson said: “It’s easy to buy equipment that will help mimic a voice over the telephone – be it a friend, family member or someone in a position of authority.
“Figures show that almost a third of British adults have been targeted in this way, which often involves parting with sensitive or financial.”
Fake parcel delivery scams
This is so simple yet so effective – and it’s still catching out tens of thousands of unsuspecting people.
“The scammers send text messages under the guise of a legitimate delivery company that tell the recipient they’ve missed a parcel,” said Mr Hampson.
“The messages contain a link that, when activated, takes the victim to a phishing website where their personal information is pinched or malware installed on their device.”
Investment scams
Social media marketplace scams
Fake profiles on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Instagram and TikTok are an effective way to draw people into purchasing goods that don’t exist.
Mr Hampson said: “The social media companies are trying to stamp this out, but it’s very difficult to banish them all.
“The main targets are the younger generations, who spend a large amount of their free time online.”
WhatsApp scams
“Preying on the fears of parents is especially cruel, so this type of approach shows you the depths scammers will stoop to,” said Mr Hampson.
“They send messages, usually via WhatsApp, in which they pose as a son or daughter claiming to have lost their phone and requesting money.”
The mixture of concern and urgency make this a particularly effective scam with some older victims, who may transfer funds to an account without verifying it first.
