Warning over key scams predicted to rise in 2018
FROM hacking phones with malicious apps to targeting engaged couples looking to spend big on their weddings – a bank has issued a warning over eight key scams it expects to see on the rise in 2018.
The bank has predicted ways crooks could try to con people this year so that it can prevent customers becoming victims.
The warning has been made this week, after NatWest worked with research agency the Future Laboratory to analyse scams trends from the last 18 months.
These are the danger areas highlighted:
1. Social media spying. People might not realise how much information they are giving away, but to a fraudster the posts can be very helpful in setting up a scam.
2. Malicious software on smartphones. It is expected that malware or malicious software threats will grow among mobile devices.
3. Bogus Brexit investments. Consumers should be wary of fake investment opportunities. For example, scammers may email customers, warning Brexit will affect their savings, and that they urgently need to move them into a seemingly plausible, but actually fake, investment product.
4. Fraudsters preying Cup excitement. Some will sell football tickets it has on World fraudsters that are either fake or will never arrive. It is also expected that “package trips” will be offered by fake travel companies.
5. Money mules. Mule recruiters may trawl social media for potential targets, particularly cash-strapped students in university towns, and use them to inadvertently launder money. Money mules receive the stolen funds into their account, they are then asked to withdraw it and send the money to a different account, often one overseas, keeping some of the money for themselves.
6. Wedding excitement. Experts fear couples could be easy prey for scammers who tempt victims with extravagant offers at bargain prices. Scammers can set up fake websites for elements of the big day like venue hire, catering, or wedding dresses that appear very realistic. Fake wedding planners will take people’s money and then disappear.
7. Romance scams. Criminals cre- ate fake profiles to form a relationship with their victims. They use messaging to mine victims’ personal details to use for identity fraud. Or, just when the victim thinks they have met the perfect partner the scammer asks them for money.
8. Scams aimed at first-time buyers. Computer hackers monitor emails sent by a solicitor to a firsttime buyer and then they pounce, pretending to be the solicitor and telling them the solicitors’ bank account details have changed in order to steal cash.
Julie McArdle, NatWest security manager, said: “Scammers are dogged in their attempts to get their hands on people’s money and are always looking for new ways to get ahead. This means banks and customers need to evolve alongside scammers too.
“By being aware and staying ahead of scammers, we can stop them winning and keep the country’s money safe and secure.”
To help thwart scammers, NatWest said people should feel confident about turning down unsolicited requests for personal information.
It said if something feels wrong then it is usually right to pause and question it.
It said people should follow their bank’s security advice and never provide remote access to their device when asked to do so following a cold call.
People should also make sure their mobiles have the latest security upgrades, NatWest said.