Millions more people have been targeted by scammers as the cost-of-living crisis takes hold, new research by Citizens Advice has found. More than three quarters of UK adults said they have been targeted by a scammer this year – a 14% increase compared to this time last year.
The most common types of scams reported included Deliveries, postal or courier services and someone pretending to be from the government or HMRC
Ahead of many households receiving vital government help for the cost-of-living crisis, Citizens Advice and the Consumer Protection Partnership have launched their annual Scams Awareness campaign to help people protect themselves from opportunistic scammers.
Citizens Advice has seen a range of different cost-of-living scam tactics used by scammers. These have included emails claiming to be from the regulator Ofgem asking people to enter their bank details to get the £400 energy rebate, or claiming the government is giving £200,000 out at random to people who are of pension age, disabled or on a low income.
Sheree, 65, lives alone and has around £800 a month from her private pension and Personal Independence Payment benefit to cover her essential bills and care. She was targeted by a scam which saw the fraudsters spend almost £1,000 on her card – despite her having never shopped online.
She said: “When I checked my balance my heart literally dropped. I had no money, I couldn’t buy any food.
“I went to Citizens Advice, I was so distraught and really upset. I really do not know what I would have done without the food and fuel vouchers as I don’t have anyone to ask for help.
“My bank did manage to get my money back, but the whole thing was extremely stressful. My health really suffered over those couple of weeks as all I was doing was worrying about how I was going to eat and pay my bills.”
For information on the genuine types of help available and how you’ll receive it see If you’re struggling with living costs and Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills.
Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:
“We know scammers prey on our worries and fears and the cost-of-living crisis is no exception.
“Anyone can be targeted by a scam, and as the purse strings are tightened and financial pressures pile on, it’s more important than ever we recognise the red flags.
“By reporting scams and sharing our own experiences, we can work together to protect ourselves and each other.”
Consumer Minister, Paul Scully, said:
“While the government is providing £37 billion this year to help families with the cost of living, it is disgraceful that scammers are using the difficult times families have been facing to try and rip them off.
“I urge everyone to report scams to Citizens Advice so we can stop these crooks in their tracks.”
