"TSB is reporting a rise in scams where criminals are using social media to befriend people before defrauding them out of thousands of pounds, often over lengthy periods of time."
"Older people who are lonely or bereaved are particularly vulnerable to being targeted by friendship fraudsters, as criminals seek to exploit their isolation and yearning for friendship."
"In one case, a TSB customer lost 4,000 after befriending someone on Instagram who said they needed urgent help with medical bills."
"Caroline Abrahams of the charity Age UK says the fraud is especially horrible and insidious, targeting older individuals who are seeking human contact."
Friendship fraud is on the rise, particularly affecting older individuals who are lonely or bereaved. Scammers befriend victims through social media, making small financial requests that accumulate over time. TSB reports significant losses, with victims often believing they are helping a friend in need. Cases include individuals losing thousands after being manipulated into sending money for various fabricated emergencies. Experts highlight the insidious nature of this fraud, as it preys on the emotional vulnerabilities of older adults seeking companionship.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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