Most vulnerable in society are more at risk of falling victim to fraudsters

People Lose Retirement Income To Scams

The study on people defrauded by cybercriminals found they targeted lonely people, and the most vulnerable were people above 60. These victims were suffering from mental or health issues, had poor social functioning, or suffered from physical disability.

Such a group of people suffered physiological and financial losses, and in the majority of cases, they did not report the crime. Actions Fraud officials have been working closely with such people, and they held seminars to generate awareness to help spot signs. 

The dating sites that start with some innocent conversations may lead to such losses. Through such platforms, people get connected on other sites or by email or through other common interests or shared connections like music or games, creating a new social circle.

The fraudsters target lonely people who seek friendships, or they connect with older adults to exploit them. Emotionally vulnerable single women are almost twice as likely to be targeted. 

The criminals may seek help for an immediate medical bill or threaten or blackmail clients into transferring funds into their accounts.

For example, the person gets unsolicited calls from someone who may claim they know her name and address, or the caller makes threatening calls stating, "you are under investigation, and the police can take your house and all assets because you did not pay the bills." 

• In such cases, the caller targets those who can be easily bullied or manipulated to the point to make payments. 

• Some got the advance fee calls where the bogus caller impersonated as a government agent like HMRC official, the banker, or the local police and threatened the victim to transfer funds to avoid court's actions or arrest. In one of the cases, an 89-year-old was threatened to pay for a total of 79 payments to the suspect. 

• Many victims in an abusive relationship with another family member like a partner or ex-partner do not report such crimes to their partner due to fear of abuse. At the same time, the criminals may use the person's details to control their assets or bank accounts. Such cases result in abuse of trust. 

• Some victims said they were cheated due to poor cognitive functions. In one case, a person came to get payment from the house owner for a non – existent service bill.

• He said, "You have forgotten to pay me for the work I did." In such cases, the vulnerable person is convinced to accept substandard maintenance from others and pay for it. 

How To Protect Yourself? 

• People who register to dating sites are advised not to send money to the other person you meet on such sites. Fund transfer requests raise red flags.

• Refuse any form of unsolicited advance payment asked by a stranger for services or refuse to sign a contract on the spot. Always call family and friends before taking any such decision.

• One should not share personal details and not reveal the name, address or other information to unknown strangers on dating sites. 

• You should make sure you have confidence in people whom you entrust with your financial details.  If you notice unauthorised transactions on the credit card or bank account, inform the bank.