Overview

• A Savanta poll of 2,222 UK adults found one in five scam victims suffered significant financial harm, with some falling into debt or using emergency savings.
• Online shopping was the most common route into fraud at 26%, often via fake websites or counterfeit or non-existent goods.
• Scammers contacted 42% of victims through social media and pressured 22% into transferring money, with 20% reporting disruption to work or caring responsibilities.
• An 84-year-old from north-east England lost about £40,000 to callers posing as her bank’s fraud department, illustrating the severe losses some victims face.
• Citizens Advice chief Dame Clare Moriarty, minister Kate Dearden and National Trading Standards urged vigilance, highlighted the 0808 223 1133 consumer helpline, and encouraged reporting to Action Fraud.