Online polling conducted by Trust Payments in partnership with YouGov found 93% of Brits received a scam text or email in 2022, with half reporting weekly scams (51%) and 78% reporting receiving at least one scam attempt a month.
Trust Payment’s online research also highlights the group’s scammers are targeting the most. In a sign that scammers are targeting older generations, 18-25-year-olds reported experiencing almost half the number of weekly scam attempts compared to the over 55s (21% vs 41%). Families with teenagers were also particularly vulnerable to scams, with almost two third of families with children aged 12-16 receiving weekly scams (63%).
of Brits received a scam text or email in 2022
of students did not receive any scams
When studying very frequent scams, defined as more than one scam attempt a week, Trust Payments also found a geographic divide. More people in Wales (42%), Scotland (43%), and Northern Ireland (46%) reported receiving more than one scam email or text a week compared to those in England (36%)
Students and the unemployed were least likely to receive widespread scams, with only around a third (36%) receiving scams at least once a week. Students were also the most likely to have never received a scam with 14% saying they hadn’t received one. This compares to only 2% of all Brits. Instead, it seems scammers are targeting those with more cash with over half of workers (53%) and retirees (51%) receiving a scam at least once a week.
Banks and other financial services providers such as Trust Payments use various tools and AI to conduct fraud checks whilst the use of biometric technology and two-factor authentication is becoming more common to mitigate fraud. However, Trust Payments hope their research will help Brits stay alert throughout 2023 and is calling on everyone to do their part to tackle fraud.
Brits should always double-check that text messages or emails claiming to be from friends, family or colleagues are sent from the person they’re claiming to be sent from. Trust Payments are also encouraging Brits to only send money using payment methods they are comfortable with and to avoid sending personal or banking details to people or organisations they don’t trust.