£177.6 million was lost to impersonation scams in 2022, data published by trade
association UK Finance has revealed.
The data showed that there were 45,367 cases of impersonation scams in 2022. It
also revealed that just 51% of individuals always check whether a request for
personal data or money is legitimate. Just 38% of 18–34-year-olds always
checked, according to UK Finance's research.
Impersonation scams involve criminals pretending to be a trusted organisation
such as a utility company, your bank or the police, and often begin with an
email, text or call with a request for money or personal information.
UK Finance says individuals should stop and take a moment to think before parting
with money or information; challenge any unsolicited communication; and protect
themselves and their finances by contacting their bank immediately if they think
they've fallen for a scam.
Katy Worobec, Managing Director of Economic Crime at UK Finance, said:
'We receive genuine communication from trusted organisations on a daily
basis, meaning it's not always easy for us to spot when an approach for
information is in fact from a criminal.
'Anyone can be caught out by a scam in the heat of the moment and criminals
are constantly adapting their tactics to appear legitimate.
'It has never been more important to take steps to check for genuine
communication and follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign
and to stop, challenge and protect.'
Internet link: UK Finance website