A recent survey has revealed that people are most likely to fall victim to scams during the afternoon. The study, which surveyed over 3,000 UK residents who have been defrauded in the past two years, found that 43 percent were scammed in the afternoon, making it the peak time for fraudulent activity.
The middle of the week also appears to be a prime time for scammers, with Wednesday and Thursday identified as the days when people are most likely to be scammed.
The Censuswide survey for Take Five to Stop Fraud, conducted in March and April, also found that 20 percent of respondents were heavily preoccupied when they were scammed, while 15 percent reported feeling tired.
Paul Maskall, a spokesperson for Take Five to Stop Fraud, commented: “When we’re at our busiest, we are more likely to miss the red flags that might otherwise warn us that something could be a scam. That’s why it’s important to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign and stop, challenge and protect to stay safe from fraud.”
He added: “When we are worried or our mind is elsewhere it can make us more susceptible to scams, or ‘scamsceptible’. Therefore, it’s important to take a moment to stop and think whether it could be fake before parting with your money or financial and personal information.”
Almost three out of every ten people (29%) surveyed have reported that falling victim to fraud has negatively impacted their mental health, with a third (33%) stating it has made them less trusting of others in general.
The Take Five campaign has introduced a new tool called ‘scamsceptible’, designed to provide users with personalised advice.
This tool, developed in collaboration with academic Dr David Modic, asks five questions to assess the factors that may make individuals more vulnerable to fraud and offers tips on how to stay safe. It can be accessed at www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/scamtest.
Take Five is an initiative run by UK Finance, the banking and finance industry body, and Take Five Week will take place from 13th to 19th May 2024.
In order to help individuals stay safe, the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign advises you stop and take a moment to think before parting with your money or information, as this could keep you safe.
It also urges people to ask themselves if the correspondence could it be fake.
Remember, it’s perfectly fine to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will attempt to rush or panic you.
Protect If you believe you’ve fallen for a scam, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud.
