Off-platform ticket sales for major UK sporting events and music tours are another growing issue…reports Asian Lite News
Fraud is on the rise globally, with criminals employing increasingly sophisticated tactics. Metro Bank’s Head of Fraud & Investigations, Baz Thompson, has urged UK consumers to stay vigilant in the face of evolving scams, many of which are exploiting advanced technologies like AI and machine learning.
Speaking on the findings of the Global Fraud Report 2024, which surveyed 1,200 fraud professionals, Thompson stated: “Fraud is always evolving, and with criminals now exploiting AI and machine learning, our expectation is that scams will become even more sophisticated. Our systems must constantly adapt to protect our customers, but we urge consumers and businesses alike to think twice before sharing personal or financial information.”
In the UK, specific scams are predicted to dominate in 2025, and Metro Bank has identified five key fraud trends for consumers to watch out for. Facebook Marketplace purchase scams remain prevalent, with scammers often advertising goods at irresistible prices but failing to deliver after receiving payment. Consumers are advised to be cautious of new profiles or offers that seem too good to be true and should ideally pay upon collection after inspecting the goods in person. It is also wise to avoid card payments to unknown sellers.
Another common scam involves impersonation of trusted organisations such as banks, HMRC, police, courier firms, or utility providers. With the UK tax season approaching, HMRC scams are particularly widespread, with fraudsters sending unexpected calls, texts, or emails asking for payment or personal details. Consumers should treat such requests with suspicion, avoid clicking on links, and contact HMRC or the relevant organisation directly to verify the communication.
Crypto investment scams also continue to target UK consumers. While crypto trading remains a popular avenue for investment, it is inherently high-risk, with rogue brokers luring investors into fraudulent schemes. Thorough research and using only well-established, regulated platforms are essential steps to avoid falling victim.
Off-platform ticket sales for major UK sporting events and music tours are another growing issue. Scammers are taking advantage of high demand by offering fake tickets through unofficial sites. Consumers are urged to purchase tickets only from reputable platforms or authorised sellers.
Finally, car finance reimbursement scams are becoming more frequent. Motorists are being approached with offers of compensation for hidden commission payments in car finance deals, with fraudsters often requesting bank details under the guise of processing claims. Consumers should avoid responding to unsolicited messages about compensation schemes and instead use trusted resources such as Martin Lewis’s MoneySavingExpert.com website for guidance.
To help combat these threats, the UK’s Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign provides practical advice to keep consumers alert and protected. Baz Thompson concludes: “Scams are becoming more sophisticated, but vigilance and scepticism remain your best defence. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” For more information on staying safe, visit the Take Five campaign website.
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