One in four Brits feel too ashamed to speak up after falling victim to scams, according to a recent survey of 2,000 individuals targeted by scammers. The study revealed that many scam victims choose to remain silent due to feelings of embarrassment and humiliation. While 60% of victims express anger following a scam, others admit to experiencing distress and shame. The survey also found that nearly half of the victims had their money stolen within the past year, with an average loss of £481. The most common types of fraud reported were marketplace scams involving counterfeit items and impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as someone else. Romance scams, in which victims are manipulated under the guise of romantic relationships, were highlighted as particularly shameful.
In response to the increasing number of scams, the international money transfer app Wise has teamed up with fraud prevention group We Fight Fraud to launch a new initiative called ‘Scam Safe Space.’ This platform aims to provide a safe environment for individuals to share their scam experiences without fear of judgement. Dr. Nicola Harding, CEO of We Fight Fraud, is leading the charge to encourage victims to speak out about their experiences in order to help others recognize red flags. Dr. Harding, who has a PhD in criminology, shared her own story of leaving a financially abusive marriage at a young age and emphasized the importance of effective education in scam prevention.
According to Aaron Wilson, head of fraud prevention at Wise, technology alone is not enough to combat scams. He highlighted the need for open discussions about scam experiences as a form of education. The survey found that 28% of people believe that hearing about others’ scam experiences helps them identify and avoid similar scams. However, only 22% of scam victims reported the incident to the police or a fraud prevention service, citing reasons such as feeling they wouldn’t receive help and blaming themselves for the scam. This silence, Dr. Harding stressed, is what fraudsters rely on to perpetuate their schemes.
The ‘Scam Safe Space’ initiative aims to break this silence and empower individuals to speak up about their experiences. The collaboration between Wise and We Fight Fraud seeks to not only raise awareness about scams but also provide support and education to help individuals protect themselves from falling victim to fraud. By sharing red flags such as unsolicited contact, offers of large sums of money for little work, and requests for personal information, the initiative aims to equip people with knowledge to spot and avoid scams. The importance of open communication and the sharing of experiences in combating scams cannot be overstated.
As the conversation around scams continues to evolve, it is crucial for individuals to feel supported in speaking out about their experiences. By breaking the silence and sharing insights into scam prevention, communities can work together to create a safer environment for all. Initiatives like ‘Scam Safe Space’ serve as a vital resource in empowering individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to fraudulent activities. It is through open dialogue and education that we can build a more resilient society against the threats of scams and fraud.