Criminals are sophisticated at using online platforms to commit fraud, including by tricking customers into transferring money and collecting personal details, like addresses and phone numbers, to fraudulently take out loans in victims' names or to access personal accounts. 

Criminals are also using advanced technology, like artificial intelligence (AI), to create more convincing and sophisticated scams online, making it even more important for people to be alert to potential threats of fraud online.

Research by Take Five to Stop Fraud revealed that almost half of respondents (45 per cent) believe they are most likely to be targeted by a fraudster over the phone. However, fewer people identified the internet as the place where people are most likely to be targeted. The majority of Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud started online in the first half of 2024, and whilst a third (33 per cent) of people were aware of fraud risks on social media, only 12 per cent see online marketplaces or auction sites as the place where they are most likely to be targeted by fraudsters. This is despite scammers often using these sites for purchase scams, where paid-for items never arrive. Purchase scams were the most common type of APP fraud in the first half of 2024, highlighting the prevalence of these scams. 

Findings also highlighted low awareness about what could make people most vulnerable to fraud. Only 13 per cent of respondents said looking for ways to make extra money – a factor that could make people prime targets for investment scams and quick money-making opportunities. In addition, concerningly only 26 per cent said responding to requests for personal information from individuals or companies online would make people most vulnerable to fraud and just 29 per cent said sharing personal information on social media could put you most at risk. 

Giles Mason, Take Five to Stop Fraud spokesperson, said:

Criminals are increasingly sophisticated and online platforms can be a hub for fraudsters looking for ways to steal your money. Whether that be through tricking you into sending them money directly or stealing your information to gain access to your accounts, it’s important to be alert to the threats of fraud online. 

We encourage everyone to be cautious when sharing personal details online and to always think twice before clicking on links or replying to unexpected messages. If something feels off, stop and take a moment to check – it could protect you from fraud.

Follow Take Five’s top five tips to protect yourself from online scams:

1. Use strong and unique passwords for your online accounts.
2. Turn on 2-step verification to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
3. Avoid clicking on links from social media, emails, texts or online adverts.
4. Keep your software and apps up to date, and use anti-virus software on your devices.
5. Check your online privacy settings and be mindful of what personal information you share on social media, online forums or dating apps.

Take Five to Stop Fraud encourages everyone to Stop, Challenge and Protect:

• 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.

For more information on how to protect yourself from online scams, visit: https://www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/advice/general-advice/onlinescams/