With purchase scams continuing to rise and the majority of them starting on social media, people are being warned to keep an eye out in 2024.
Findings from Lloyds Bank have revealed that thousands of people purchasing tickets, cars, pets and much more online were tricked into handing money over to fraudsters this year.
Purchase scams increased by 42% compared to last year – as many as 78% of these started on social media, and when you consider the fact that these platforms offer few checks, no secure payment processes and no financial incentives to protect their users, it’s easy to see why.
Liz Ziegler, Fraud Prevention Director, Lloyds Bank, explained, “Fraudsters are constantly on the lookout for ways to scam people out of their hard-earned cash and, if you’re not on your guard when shopping online, you may be their next victim.
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Email Jaime“Don’t be fooled into trusting a stranger on the internet to secure a quick bargain. Social media is rife with fake adverts from criminal sellers – if something is in demand and hard to get your hands on from trusted retailers, it’s probably unrealistic to think you’ve found it for half the price on Facebook Marketplace.
“Big life purchases such as a pets or vehicles shouldn’t be rushed, so don’t go for the cheapest price from the first person that messages you on social media.
“Trust your gut and, if something doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t, so always take time to think about purchases you’re making online.”
To find out more about contracting please contact Lauren on 01206 591 000 or email lauren.monks@contractorumbrella.com.
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