Scammers are becoming increasingly prevalent in society, with spam calls, deceptive texts, and fake emails becoming commonplace. To combat this, I will be featuring on the BBC’s Scam Safe week broadcast from Glasgow, providing tips on avoiding scams and protecting oneself from fraudsters.
Fraud is a significant issue, with £1.17 billion lost in fraudulent transactions last year, according to UK Finance data. Despite industry efforts that prevented £1.45 billion from being stolen, many victims are too embarrassed to seek help after being defrauded.
The range of scams today is vast and evolving, making it essential for individuals to stay vigilant. Scammers employ various tactics, such as creating convincing websites, fake social media ads, and messages impersonating trusted sources like the police or HMRC to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
Online shopping has also opened up avenues for scams, with fake retailers using stolen images to lure customers into making purchases. Payment methods like bank transfers or peer-to-peer platforms should raise red flags, as they are often associated with fraudulent activities.
One common scam is the “missing package” deception, where individuals receive messages claiming a failed delivery attempt and requesting personal information. It is crucial to verify such communications through official channels to avoid falling victim to these tricks.
Emails containing personal data pose a significant risk, as scammers can exploit this information to gain access to various accounts. Regularly changing passwords, using secure payment methods, and being cautious with email content can help mitigate these risks.
In case of suspected fraud, individuals should contact the relevant authorities immediately and consider seeking assistance from the Financial Ombudsman if necessary. Being proactive and vigilant is key to protecting oneself from the ever-evolving tactics of scammers.