Fraud has long been one of the most commonly experienced crimes in the UK, but since the start of the pandemic last year, the number of victims has increased significantly.
As the country shut down and businesses closed their doors – some for good – unemployment crept up. And, while many people struggled financially, criminals were quick to capitalise on the situation. Last year, the UK’s cybersecurity agency identified and removed more scams than in the past three years combined. Criminals even exploited the vaccine roll-out, creating fake NHS apps to harvest personal information for the purposes of fraud.
Action Fraud has estimated that £34.5m has been stolen since March last year. But it’s not just the financial impact that cripples victims – the effects on mental health can be devastating. With a new scam uncovered on average every five minutes, Woman investigates the full impact of fraud on victims.
‘I COULDN’T BELIEVE WE’D BEEN SO FOOLISH’
Sue Flood, 63, lives in Essex with her husband, 59, and their two daughters, 23 and 20.
It was back in early 2011, after spotting an ad in a newspaper in Spain – where we were living at the time – that my husband and I enquired to receive professional financial advice from a supposedly fully qualified and regulated independent financial advisor.
This story is from the August 10, 2021 edition of WOMAN - UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 10, 2021 edition of WOMAN - UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
15 ways to a SHARPER BRAIN
Hunting for your glasses only to realise they're on your head is frustrating, and we've all marched from one room to another, instantly forgetting why.
TV&REVIEWS
Our pick of what to watch this week, plus the best podcasts and new books...
Tone up in TUSCANY
Head to Italy for a trip that's a treat for body and soul
How healthy are your
Take extra care when using up the food in your fridge this festive season
From burnout to BRILLIANT
These inspiring women climbed back from rock bottomto find joy and fulfilment in their lives
What's on... 2025
We take a glimpse at next year's most exciting events in showbiz
Harry and Meghan UNDER PRESSURE
Divorce rumours, commercial pressures and family angst... are the duke and duchess feeling the strain? Can they get back on track in 2025, writes royal correspondent Emily Andrews
Stabbed OVER A SONG
Shira Javaid id thought her son was having the time of his life at university
Where to find help over the holidays
Need medical assistance during the Christmas period? Help is always at hand...
How to handle HANGXIETY
Battling the booze blues? Take back control with these clever tips