The public has been alerted to a significant rise in fraudulent calls, texts, and emails, as recent data from UK Finance reveals that the number of impersonation scam cases more than doubled in the first half of 2021, totaling 33,115 incidents.
These scams have resulted in criminals stealing £129.4 million through this type of fraud during this period. In comparison, there were 14,947 impersonation scam cases last year, leading to £57.9 million in losses.
In impersonation scams, criminals pose as representatives from trusted organizations—such as banks, police, government departments, or service providers—with the aim of tricking victims into transferring money. Common ruses include claims that an account needs protection from fraud, a fine or tax is due, or that an erroneous refund must be returned.
The surge in these cases is partly attributed to the tendency of individuals in the UK to be overly polite, as research from UK Finance indicates that over 90% of people have said ‘yes’ to requests made over the phone to avoid seeming rude. Additionally, a quarter of those asked for personal information feel uncomfortable rejecting such requests.
Tony Blake, a fraud expert with Take Five, warns that “criminals are adept at impersonating others and can deceive even the most cautious individuals who wish to avoid appearing rude. Remember, it’s perfectly acceptable to say no. Always verify any requests by contacting the organization through a known and trusted method.”