Fraudsters aren’t fussy. They’ll pick on anyone. Nobody is immune from fraud. The criminals behind it target people online and in their homes, often emotionally manipulating their victims before they steal money or personal data.

But there is something we can do. By staying vigilant and always taking a moment to stop, think and check whenever we’re approached, we can help to protect ourselves and each other from fraud.

Did you know?

In just one year, 1 in 17 adults were victims of fraud

Source: Crime Survey for England and Wales, year ending September 2023

Fraud in a changing world

The world has changed. Which means the way fraudsters operate has changed and will continue to evolve. Find out why that makes you more vulnerable to fraud – and what you can do to reduce your risk.

1. The internet gives fraudsters more opportunities than ever before

Our lives are increasingly online, so fraudsters have more opportunities than ever to target people while they’re shopping, banking, gaming, dating, networking and more. At the same time, the anonymity of the internet makes it easier for fraudsters to hide their true identity and intentions.

Want to reduce your risk? Learn how to protect yourself against online fraud.

2. Fraud is harder to spot than ever before

Technological advances including artificial intelligence (AI) mean fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated in the way they impersonate legitimate companies, people or brands. These days, a fake email, advert or website can look incredibly convincing – some may be impossible to tell apart from the real thing – so it’s important to be aware of the danger and know what to look for.

Want to reduce your risk? Follow our guidance on how to spot fraud.

3. The internet reveals more about us than ever before

Almost everything we do online leaves a ‘digital footprint’ that criminals can use to make their scams more convincing. The more a fraudster can find out about our lifestyles, relationships and interests, the more likely they are to prey on our emotions or earn our trust.

Want to reduce your risk? Learn how to recognise the tactics fraudsters use.

Want to learn more? Check out our Cyber Security Articles.