National Fraud Helpline is calling on tech giants to do more to stop scammers.
The no win, no fee fraud recovery solicitors say social media platforms have inadvertently created the perfect hunting ground for scammers.
National Fraud Helpline solicitors point out that tech giants allow fraudsters direct access to those in society most likely to be scammed.
The law firm is calling on tech giants to do more to protect its customers with better checks on who is allowed access sites and quicker action to block those who are reported for fraud.
Martin Richardson, senior partner at National Fraud Helpline solicitors, said: ‘We’re not surprised that the number of frauds being committed is going up.
‘These platforms offer fraudsters the perfect hunting ground with the ability to target those who are most vulnerable to being scammed. The scammers are piggybacking on the tech companies’ brand to give them credibility. It’s a chance to access millions of potential victims for free.
‘More needs to be done to vet people who join platforms such as dating sites and online marketplaces. We simply would not allow this to happen if it was physical marketplace in one of our towns or a dating event where people meet. The platforms also need to be better at blocking fraudsters.
‘With the advance of technology and artificial intelligence, I fear, we will only see scams on these platforms go up and up. Something needs to be done as a matter of urgency
‘The frauds being committed on these social media platforms are devastating millions of people’s lives. As well as the financial devastation, the majority of people we speak to say it has seriously harmed their mental health as well.’
As well as helping scam victims recover their money, National Fraud Helpline, is itself also creating fraud prevention measures. The law firm’s website www.nationalfraudhelpline.co.uk has all the latest fraud news and scam advice and it has also joined forces with two artificial intelligence (AI) firms to create fraud prevention technology products.
Mr Richardson added: ‘We believe that as well as awareness campaigns the best way to prevent fraud on tech platforms is by harnessing the power of AI. There is now a technology arms race and tech platforms should be in a great position to help defeat the fraudsters.’
Our quotes were picked up by The Sun newspaper. Read the article here:Black Friday shoppers warned over scams costing bargain hunters whopping £11.4BILLION – how to keep your cash safe | The Sun
Have you lost money to a scam? Contact National Fraud Helpline. Call 0333 0033218 or fill out our Claim Form.