NatWest has issued a warning about the increasing number of scams that customers are falling victim to. The bank has identified fake parcel delivery texts, social media marketplace scams, and AI voice cloning scams as the most common types of scams that people are facing. According to research conducted by NatWest, four in 10 British adults have been targeted by scammers in the past year, with purchase scams being among the top five fastest-growing scams.
One alarming finding from the research is that young adults aged 18-24, who were born between 2000 and 2006, are the most targeted group by scammers. Over half of this age group has been approached by scammers in the last year, and 60% have either experienced financial loss themselves or know someone who has. Social media marketplace scams are particularly prevalent among 18-34-year-olds, with a quarter of them reporting encounters with fake profiles advertising non-existent goods.
The top ten fastest-growing scams identified by NatWest include fake parcels, social media marketplace scams, AI voice cloning, money requests from family, event tickets, tax rebates, refunds, deep fakes of celebrities, Cost-of-Living Assistance Scams, and ‘get rich quick’ schemes. Stuart Skinner, a Fraud Expert from NatWest, emphasized the importance of being cautious when receiving unexpected messages or requests for payments. Fake parcel delivery texts, in particular, are a common tactic used by scammers to trick people into making payments or downloading malicious apps.
AI voice cloning scams are a newer form of fraud where scammers use advanced technology to imitate someone’s voice, making their requests seem more convincing. If you receive a call from a friend or family member asking for money or personal information, it is crucial to verify the authenticity of the call before taking any action. Scammers can also manipulate caller ID information, so it is essential to be vigilant and not trust information at face value.
As we approach the holiday season, it is crucial for NatWest customers, especially those born in specific years, to be aware of these scams and take steps to protect themselves from falling victim. By staying informed and being cautious of unexpected messages or requests, individuals can reduce their risk of being targeted by scammers and falling prey to fraudulent schemes.