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Bank warns about ‘cruel’ friendship fraudsters targeting older people
TSB highlights scammers exploiting loneliness to extract money from older victims, with cases involving up to 60 payments over four years, averaging losses above £3,100.
- TSB warned this week of a 'cruel' spate of online friendship fraud targeting older and vulnerable people, saying criminals befriend victims on online platforms to extract money.
- Scammers are exploiting loneliness to form false bonds online, using elaborate stories and AI-produced images to gain trust by targeting bereavement and companionship needs.
- A customer in their late 70s lost more than £4,000 after being befriended on social media, with one case involving 60 payments over four years, and TSB data showing impersonation fraud averages over £3,100.
- Age UK warned the scams target lonely or bereaved older people and urged vigilance, advising victims to contact their bank and report fraud to Report Fraud or Police Scotland, while considering support from Mind or Victim Support.
- Ms Harrison, a fraud expert at TSB, advised getting impartial advice from someone close and checking on friends or family for warning signs like rapid escalation or money requests.
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TSB warning: Pensioners losing up to £4k to friendship scam as criminals 'target older people's life savings'
TSB has issued a warning that fraudsters are carrying out "cruel" schemes targeting elderly and vulnerable individuals by exploiting their desire for companionship.The bank revealed that criminals are taking advantage of older people's loneliness and wish to form connections online.According to TSB's figures, victims of impersonation fraud, where scammers pose as either individuals or organisations, lose an average of more than £3,100 per case.S…
·London, United Kingdom
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Total News Sources9
Leaning Left3Leaning Right1Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 38%
C 50%
12%
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