Mobile app scams on the rise in the UK

Authorised payment (APP) fraud increased by 22% year-on-year in 2022, according to data from trade body UK Finance.

Total losses from APP fraud were £239.3m in the first half of the year. Photo: FT

APPs include investment scams found on search engines and social media, romance scams through online dating platforms, and purchases hosted on social media and auction sites.

Scammers often try to trick victims into making payments themselves, but even if the victim realises it in time, they may have already provided enough details for the scammer to impersonate them and take control of their accounts or apply for credit cards in their name.

Scammers also use phone calls, text messages, and emails to trick victims into providing their personal email and password.

“These crimes often involve callous manipulation of victims, which can cause psychological and emotional harm,” said Ben Donaldson of UK Finance. “Criminals are increasingly using social media, online platforms, text messages, phone calls and emails to trick victims into handing over their personal information and money.”

Online APP fraud accounted for 77% of cases, but these tended to be lower value scams and accounted for just 32% of total losses. In contrast, 17% started via telecoms networks and tended to be higher value, accounting for 45% of total losses. However, while the number of cases increased by more than a fifth, the total loss from APP fraud fell by 1% to £239.3m, with £152.8m returned to victims.

Criminals stole a total of £580m through authorised and unauthorised fraud, down 6% year-on-year. Payment card and remote banking fraud fell by 9% and 29% respectively.

Mai Anh (according to FT)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/so-vu-lua-dao-qua-mang-gia-tang-o-vuong-quoc-anh-post269853.html