Millions of Brits are inadvertently making themselves vulnerable to banking frauds including ones carried out by fraudsters pretending as their bank, a new YouGov survey finds.
In response to the survey, the British Bankers’ Association (BBA) is launching a fraud awareness campaign to make people aware about banking frauds.
BBA chief executive Anthony Browne said: "Being defrauded is a devastating experience for anyone which is why we are launching this campaign. The more people know about fraud, the less likely they are to become victims.
"Our Know Fraud, No Fraud campaign will help you spot some of the tactics used by scammers.Your bank would never send someone to your home to collect your cash or ask you to transfer funds to a new account.
"If you suspect you have become the victim of fraud please contact Action Fraud and your bank as soon as you can. Specially-trained staff will be able to advise on what to do next."
In response to common tactics used by criminals over phone, via email or via text, the survey found that about eight million Brits are vulnerable to ‘vishing’ or voice phishing; four million of them transferring money into another assumed ‘safe’ account if instructed.
About three million of them are keen to perform ‘test transactions’ online; and about 1.7 million individuals are ready to pass their bank card over to a courier on their entrance if they come with some form of ID card.
City of London Police commander Steve Head said: "Fraud and cyber-crime is costing the UK tens of billions of pounds each year, causing significant damage to big businesses, destroying smaller businesses and ruining many individual lives.
"Criminals are also exploiting the technological and internet revolution to target people of all ages and from all walks of life with ever more sophisticated and convincing scams, increasingly delivered directly into the home via telephone, mobiles, laptops and tablets."
