Protect yourself from payment scams

In today's digital age, scams and fraudulent schemes have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting unsuspecting individuals of all ages. Statistics show that those aged 55 and above are particularly vulnerable to falling victim to fraudsters.

According to the accounting firm BDO’s latest FraudTrack report, the amount of fraud committed in the UK more than doubled to £2.3bn in 2023, marking the second-biggest year for scams in the last two decades. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for awareness and vigilance.

Why Older Adults Are Targeted

Research indicates that older adults may be more trusting and less likely to question the legitimacy of requests, making them easy targets for scammers. Additionally, older individuals may have accumulated more wealth over their lifetime, making them attractive targets for financial scams. At Rothley Law we're committed to raising awareness and providing support to help protect individuals from falling prey to scams.

Types of Scams to Watch Out For

There are various types of scams that individuals need to be aware of, including romance scams, investment scams, impersonation scams, crypto scams, and more. These scams can have devastating financial and emotional consequences for victims. Understanding the tactics used by fraudsters is essential for safeguarding oneself against potential threats.

Romance Scam:

In this emotional manipulation tactic, criminals create fake profiles on social media or dating websites to establish romantic connections with unsuspecting individuals. Once trust is gained, they exploit your emotions and goodwill to extort money under false pretences, leaving you heartbroken and financially devastated.

Police or Bank Impersonation Scam:

Fraudsters may employ tactics such as phone calls or emails to impersonate law enforcement officials or representatives from your bank. They create a sense of urgency by claiming there's a security threat or fraudulent activity on your account, coercing you into transferring funds to a designated account for supposed protection.

Crypto Scam:

Crypto scams exploit the popularity of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Fraudsters promise high returns through fake exchanges, phishing schemes, and fraudulent Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs). These scams can lead to significant losses, as the decentralised nature of cryptocurrencies makes recovery difficult. To protect yourself, use reputable exchanges, verify investment opportunities, and be cautious of unsolicited offers.

Invoice and Mandate Scam:

This deceptive scheme occurs when you attempt to pay an invoice to a legitimate payee, only for the scammer to intercept and alter the payment details. As a result, you unwittingly send money to the fraudster instead of the intended recipient.

CEO Fraud:

In this sophisticated scam, the perpetrator poses as a high-ranking official within an organisation, often the CEO or another executive. Using social engineering tactics, the scammer persuades you to make a payment to a fraudulent account under the guise of a legitimate business transaction.

Family or Friend Impersonation Scam:

In this heartless scheme, scammers exploit personal relationships by impersonating a family member or friend in distress. They fabricate emergencies, such as accidents or legal troubles, and request immediate financial assistance, preying on your concern and trust.

Investment Scam:

Fraudsters entice victims with promises of lucrative investment opportunities, often promising high returns or guaranteed profits. However, these schemes are nothing more than elaborate ruses to swindle you out of your hard-earned money, leaving you with significant financial losses.

Protecting Yourself and Seeking Help

To protect themselves from falling victim to scams, individuals should take precautions such as not sharing personal details with strangers, verifying the authenticity of requests, and being cautious of suspicious emails and phone calls. It's essential to report any scams or fraudulent activities to the appropriate authorities, including Action Fraud, the police, and phishing email providers.

How Rothley Law Can Help

At Rothley Law we understand the devastating impact that scams can have on individuals' lives. That's why we offer support to victims who have lost more than £3,500 to scammers via a UK bank account, helping to claim and seek compensation for their losses. If you have, our team can assist in building a case to submit to the bank or the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) on the consumer's behalf.

We are a fully regulated firm by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), with a highly experienced team of financial mis-selling specialists and claims handlers. Our goal is to secure the compensation you deserve by identifying errors, omissions, or breaches in agreements and legislation against the institution or bank where you lost money.

Take Action Today

If you've been a victim of a scam or fraudulent activity, don't hesitate to contact Rothley Law for support. Visit our website at www.rothleylaw.com to learn how we can help you navigate the claims process and seek compensation for your losses. Don't let scammers win – take action to protect yourself and your finances today.