Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.
Fraudsters targeted most UK consumers with fake delivery scams during the pandemic, according to a recent research study.
Which? reports that more than 60 percent of the consumers it surveyed said they had been targeted by text message scams designed to trick targets into giving up personal details within the past year. Would-be scammers reportedly send consumers text messages claiming that they have missed a delivery window – demanding a fee for the parcel. Consumers who hand over their account information may find their finances drained as a result, Which? says.
The fake delivery scam has become so widespread that new mobile numbers are being hit within days of activation, Which? reports. The consumer advocacy says that it tested the prevalence of fake delivery scams by creating four new mobile accounts itself and refraining from using the numbers. The result – within two weeks two of the new mobile numbers had received scam delivery texts, Which? found.
“Our research shows how fraudsters have bombarded Britain with scam delivery texts on an industrial scale as they try to exploit the unprecedented conditions of the pandemic”, Adam French, a consumer rights expert at the organisation told The Guardian.
French also told reporters that regulators and the mobile industry itself needs to take measures to protect UK consumers from fake delivery scams. Though 70 percent of those surveyed said that they did not fall for the scam text, thirty percent of consumers admitted to disclosing personal information.
“Always take a moment to stop and think before parting with your information or money, and avoid clicking on links in an email or text message in case it’s a scam,” Katy Worobec, the head of economic crime at the industry body UK Finance, told The Guardian.
Top Class Actions will continue to report on fraud, scams, and other issues to help keep consumers informed. In addition, UK consumers can sign up for Scam Alerts though Which?
Have you been the target of a fake delivery scam? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below.
Don’t Miss Out!
Check out our list of Class Action Lawsuits and Class Action Settlements you may qualify to join!
Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:
