Identity Theft Now At 'Epidemic' Level
Four in five identity frauds now take place online; with those in their 30s falling victim more than any other age group.
Criminals are defrauding people into making fake investments using forged news stories promoting investment advice from celebrities, the public is being warned.
The UK's National Cyber Security Centre, a part of intelligence agency GCHQ, has announced it has foiled a growing number of these scams over the last four months.
More than 300,000 malicious URLs linking to investment schemes promoted with fake celebrity endorsements, including Sir Richard Bransom, Ed Sheeran and Martin Lewis, have been taken down during this period.
But the growing number of investment scams has caused the cyber security agency to issue a warning to the public, and to let the criminals know that they are being pursued.
The City of London Police, which leads on cyber fraud activity such as investment scams - which cost the public over £197m in 2018 alone - is also issuing a warning.
Top Tips
- If you fall victim to online fraud, you should contact your bank immediately
- Report it as a crime to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 (for England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or online at actionfraud.police.uk.
https://news.sky.com/story/public-warned-over-criminals-using-celebrities-to-promote-fake-investments-12048786
