Only a few of us will spot a scam, says report

MANY people may be overconfident about their ability to spot a scam, research suggests.

Four-fifths (80%) of over 2,300 people surveyed for the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign say they could identify a scam approach.

In a separate test of over 63,000 people, fewer than one in 10 (9%) scored full marks in the Take Five Too Smart To Be Scammed? quiz.

The quiz presents people with texts and emails and asks them to say whether they think they are genuine.

One text, purporting to be from a bank, asks the recipient to transfer money to a “safe” account – somebanks would never request.

In another scenario, an email asks the recipient to click on a link – something which consumers are also warned not to do.

The email contains grammatical errors – another warning sign.

Take Five to Stop Fraud Week, which runs from today until Friday, is urging people to remember the mantra: “My money? My info? I don’t think so!”

Figures from trade association UK Finance show £366.4m was lost to financial fraud in the first half of 2017 – with a further £101.2 m lost in bank transfer scams.

UK Finance’s Katy Worobec said: “Criminals are using very sophisticated methods. This week we want to spread the message that you should always question calls, texts or emails asking for your details out of the blue.

“Think before you give away information. If unsure, hang up and contact the organisation on a trusted number.”

A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you out of the blue to ask for your pin, password or to move money, says Take Five, adding you should never click on a link in an unexpected email or text.

More information at takefivestopfraud.org.uk. Take the quiz at takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/ takethetest