Scammers in the UK have significantly increased their activities by compromising email and social media accounts, with stolen amounts soaring over 400% in the past financial year. Data from the City of London police’s Report Fraud service reveals that these criminal activities resulted in £6.3 million in losses in the 2025-26 financial year, up dramatically from £1.2 million the previous year.
Scammers Target Trusted Relationships
These fraudsters often exploit the trust inherent in personal relationships by masquerading as the account holder to sell fake event tickets. Popular events, such as sold-out concerts, are common targets. A previously reported case involved a woman’s Instagram being hacked to pretend to her friends that she was selling Oasis gig tickets, leading to a loss of £1,400.
Variety of Scams
Scammers also use deception through common communication methods like WhatsApp and text messages. Employing tactics such as the “Hi mum” scam, criminals impersonate a relative, often claiming an emergency need for funds. Data from Santander highlights that impersonating a child, particularly a son, tends to be the most effective for these fraudulent schemes.
Impact Beyond Financial Loss
Ch Supt Amanda Wolf, who leads the Report Fraud operations, highlights the personal stress experienced by individuals whose accounts are breached. Victims not only face the risk of financial loss but also deal with the fear of further exploitation through the misuse of their identities. Friends and colleagues, along with family, can inadvertently become targets as well.
Preventative Measures
In response to this growing threat, Report Fraud is launching a campaign to encourage enhanced online security. They advocate for the use of passkeys, a safer alternative to passwords, which utilise the user’s device and biometrics for authentication and are immune to hacking in the same way traditional passwords are vulnerable.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.