Over £2.5 million lost to fraudsters in less than six months

Thursday 09 November 2023

Islanders lost more than £2.5 million in 91 instances of fraud between April and August this year, according to latest figures released by the Jersey Fraud Prevention Forum.

But the true extent of the losses could be much greater as the UK's National Crime Agency estimates that some 86% of fraud goes unreported.

Those over the age of 70 constituted a quarter of local victims with fraudsters using fake invoices, mandate scams, and ruses to impersonate banks and WhatsApp callers.

Four local businesses were also among those defrauded.

Pictured: Islanders over the age of 70 constituted a quarter of local victims.

Ahead of Fraud Prevention Week – which starts on Sunday 12 November – the JFPF warned islanders to remain vigilant, especially in the run-up to Christmas, and they urge anyone who thinks they may have been targeted by fraudsters, or fallen victim to a scam, to report it to the police on 612612.

In its latest newsletter, it offers a range of tips and useful guidance for Islanders to protect themselves and avoid being scammed, especially when shopping online. This includes being mindful of how much information is shared with people who are not already known, and being wary of offers which appear too good to be true.

Particular care should be taken to lookout for fraudsters posing as bank representatives, seeking to verify identity or confirm a purchase or transaction, the JFPF advises.

To reinforce these messages, members will be at Charing Cross next Wednesday 15 November between 11:00 and 15:00 to raise awareness of the methods fraudsters use, and to offer advice on how to avoid being scammed.