INTERNET scamming is bigger than ever, with sophisticated online ‘schools’ now teaching tricksters how to con unsuspecting victims out of billions.
In the past year alone, £2.6billion was lost to online fraud and experts say the problem has worsened during the pandemic, with more people complaining to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
And it’s not just older, more vulnerable people who are falling victim.
Fraudsters are now attending online lessons in how to dupe us from all angles.
Here we reveal some of the new online cons to look out for, and how to best protect yourself . . .
‘Hello mum’ plea for cash
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CONSUMER watchdog Which? has seen a spike in reports of scammers impersonating a son or daughter in need and asking their families for financial help on WhatsApp.
Action Fraud revealed there were 25 reports of the scam between August and October last year, with victims losing almost £50,000.
The scammers pretend to be the victim’s child and say they are texting from a new mobile, as their own phone has been lost or damaged.
They then ask for money to buy a new phone, or claim they need to pay a bill.
Jonny Sabinsky, from…
