Take Five to Stop Fraud is warning the public to stay alert to fraud as loneliness and isolation during the Christmas period could make people more vulnerable to fraud.
New data from the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign has found that over half (58%) of people in the UK feel lonely at least sometimes, potentially putting them at risk of fraud. Isolation can make people prime targets for fraudsters who attempt to befriend and manipulate them into passing on personal and financial information.
Impersonation and romance scams are particularly harmful methods of defrauding people, with UK Finance data showing that over £65 million was lost to these scam types in the first half of 2024. These frauds involve criminals researching their target and using social engineering tactics to build trust, often posing as a romantic interest, a concerned friend or family member or a trusted organisation. Over half (53%) of people surveyed admitted to being at least somewhat trusting of strangers or people they don’t know, a trait that scammers will exploit to gain access to personal and financial information.
Concerningly, just under a quarter of people in the UK (24%) say there isn’t someone in their life that they would talk to if they thought someone was trying to scam them. This lack of a support network leaves people at greater risk. In addition, almost a quarter (23%) of people worryingly said that they have clicked a link, provided personal information or made a payment in response to an unexpected request from someone who later turned out to not be who they claimed to be.
To empower the public to protect themselves from potential scams this Christmas, the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign is urging people to stop and think whenever they are asked money or financial information.
In addition, Take Five is also calling on communities to look out for vulnerable friends, neighbours, or family members who may be at risk.
Giles Mason, spokesperson for the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign, said:
“Fraud is a terrible crime that preys on people’s vulnerabilities. During the Christmas period, loneliness can leave people more susceptible to scams. Criminals are very cunning and will try to exploit the goodwill and emotions of the season to build trust and manipulate their victims.
“We urge everyone to stay vigilant and never share personal or financial information with someone you don’t know. Always check who you’re dealing with, even if they seem genuine. If something doesn’t feel right, stop and seek advice.”
Professor Andrea Wigfield, Co-Director of the Campaign to End Loneliness (CTEL) said,
“Loneliness is a deeply personal and often invisible struggle that can leave people feeling longing for connection, especially during the festive season. Scammers can exploit this vulnerability, pretending to offer friendship or romance while working to steal from their victims. It’s a cruel betrayal of trust that can have devastating effects. We urge everyone to be cautious when interacting with strangers online or over the phone and to look out for others who may be feeling lonely.”
To protect yourself from scams, we encourage you to follow the advice of the ‘Take Five to Stop Fraud’ campaign:
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- Stop: Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information. It could keep you safe.
- Challenge: Ask yourself, could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
- Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been scammed and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or on 0330 123 2040.
Find out more about how to stay safe from scams at: takefive-stopfraud.org.uk
Notes to Editor
- UK Finance Half Year Fraud Report 2024
- The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2000 Respondents (Nat Rep 16+). The data was collected between 09.12.2024 – 11.12.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
- Find out more about Take Five: https://www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/
– Take Five to Stop Fraud is a national campaign that offers straightforward and impartial advice to help everyone protect themselves from preventable financial fraud.– Take Five is run by UK Finance. UK Finance is the collective voice for the banking and finance industry. Representing more than 300 firms across the industry, it acts to enhance competitiveness, support customers and facilitate innovation.
- In an authorised push payment scam, a criminal will trick their victim into sending money directly from their account to an account which the criminal controls.
