Online scams have become more frequent and sophisticated over the past few years with fraudsters looking for new ways to exploit individuals all the time.
The top online scams most consistently reported to Action Fraud in West Sussex include:
Romance fraud – this scam involves people being duped into sending money to criminals who go to great lengths to gain their trust and convince them that they are in a genuine relationship. They use language to manipulate, persuade and exploit so that requests for money do not raise alarm bells. Sextortion – where an individual is threatened with having sexual photos, videos or information published in exchange for money or even in exchange for the person doing something against their will. Investment fraud – this is usually where people are contacted out of the blue and asked to invest in schemes or products that are worthless or don’t exist.
Some of the new scams which are now being seen are:
Texts claiming to be from ‘Gov.org’ or the ‘DWP’ inviting applications or claims for cost of living payments. Bogus emails, texts or calls claiming to be from the local council requesting bank or card details so that council tax rebates can be paid. Emails, texts, or calls claiming to be sent by energy suppliers offering switching deals, cheaper tariffs, discounts on prepayment meters or rebates. Advertisements, emails, texts or social media posts offering either…
