Online fraudsters adapt tactics to exploit UK cost of living crisis

theguardian.com:

Fraudsters have adapted their tactics to exploit the rising cost of living, officials have said.

A report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said anti-fraud squads had identified new trends as phishing attacks – when perpetrators attempt to trick users into clicking a bad link – have started to target those in difficult financial situations.

The types of messages being sent by email and text include the promise of energy and council tax rebates or encouraging people to apply for a “cost of living payment”, mimicking genuine government support packages.

In the two weeks to 5 August, more than 1,500 reports were made to the suspicious emails reporting service (SERS), run by the National Cyber Security Centre, about scam emails pretending to be legitimate energy rebates from Ofgem, the energy regulator.

The emails use the Ofgem logo and colours and have the subject header “Claim your bill rebate now”.

DCI Hayley King, City of London police, said: “It is shameful that in a time of financial hardship, criminal are targeting members of the public by claiming they are entitled to receiving rebates and refunds. If an email is genuine, the company will never push you into handing over your details.”

Cifas, a UK fraud prevention service, said there was a “real concern due to the rise in living costs, criminals will look to target loan products and deferred credit services”.

Common campaigns they have encountered include fraudsters posing as utility providers offering deals on energy bills or competitions to win fuel vouchers.

Around half of all adults report receiving a “phishing” message, the ONS said.

In the latest year, 4.8% of all fraud was perceived to be coronavirus-related, rising to 6.3% of all cyber fraud.

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