Fraud accounts for more than 40% of all crime in England and Wales. Kate Stevenson speaks to scam expert Nick Stapleton about fraud prevention, and discovers why disabled people may be at greater risk
Last year, the UK lost £11.4 billion to scams, up £4 billion from the year before. Fraud has become one of the country’s most common crimes, and scammers are continually reinventing their cons.
THE DIGITAL WORLD
One in five disabled people have been targeted by scams, but expert Nick Stapleton says it sounds scarier than it actually is: “It’s not that scammers are deliberately targeting disabled people,” he explains, “it’s that disabled people often spend more time in spaces where scams happen, whether that’s on social media, through online shopping, or email communication. The more time you spend online, the more likely you’ll encounter a scammer.”
“The online world is simply not a safe place,” adds Nick. “A lot of people assume that, because they’re on social media or a reputable site, there’s some Nick Stapleton sort of umbrella protection, but that’s just not true.”
Scammers operate in spaces where they can take advantage of people and face very little risk. Right now, there aren’t enough resources or advanced software to track them all down. Nick says: “The conviction rate for fraud in the UK is about 0.1% – for every 1,000 scams, only one person faces justice.”
COMMON CONS
While scams can target everyone, Nick reveals that sometimes con artists will tailor their tactics to specific groups. He warns those using digital spaces for shopping, socialising and banking to stay vigilant, especially if they receive any benefits.
“There are scammers who pose as government officials, claiming they need to review a person’s disability benefits,” reveals Nick. “The victim thinks they’re answering routine questions to keep their benefits or reassess their eligibility. In reality, the scammer is building a profile on them and collecting personal information, which they can sell to other fraudsters.”
But this is only step one. “Weeks later, the victim will get a call from someone claiming to be from their bank’s fraud department,” continues Nick. “Because the scammer already has so much personal data, like account details, they can create an incredibly convincing script: ‘Miss Stevenson, I’m calling to speak to you about your account ending in ****, which I believe you receive your benefits to. Is that correct?’ From there, they’ll get the remaining information they need to access your accounts.”
But benefit scams aren’t the only danger. With ‘carpet bombing’ strategies, fraudsters send out mass scam messages in hopes of catching someone off guard. “The vast majority of scams are out there to target us all.”
RED FLAGS
So, what should you look out for? Scams can take many forms, but Nick’s golden rule for spotting them is to “assume everything is a scam until proven otherwise.”
Any unexpected phone call, text, email, or direct message should be treated with suspicion. “If someone calls claiming to be from your bank or a government agency, hang up,” he advises. “Then call the organisation back using a number you find yourself – never use the one they give you.”
Additional red flags to consider include urgency and pressure: “Scammers will try to create a sense of panic. They’ll tell you your benefits will stop tomorrow if you don’t act now, or that your bank account is about to be emptied,” explains Nick. “If something is truly urgent, you should be able to verify it from an official source.”
Requests for personal or financial information are also dodgy: “Legitimate organisations rarely ask for this sort of data over the phone or via email. If someone asks for it, assume it’s a scam.”
And if you’re informed of an unexpected prize or surprising refund? “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
THE HIDDEN COST
Beyond the financial losses, scams leave deep emotional scars, and many victims experience depression and anxiety. “The hidden cost of scams is immense,” stresses Nick. “Victims feel embarrassed and ashamed, which stops them from reporting fraud or seeking help. I’ve spoken to people who have lost thousands and told no one because they’re so mortified. That secrecy only benefits scammers.”
VICTIM-BLAMING
He explains that the victim-blaming culture surrounding scams only makes fraud targets feel worse. “If someone is burgled, nobody says, ‘How could you be so stupid?’ But if you lose money to a scam, people question your intelligence.” Nick shakes his head in disbelief. “That mindset needs to change. The blame belongs to the scammer, not the victim.”
The best way to avoid scammers’ tricks and traps is by staying informed of the latest strategies, talking openly by sharing our experiences, and looking out for one another. “Fraudsters rely on secrecy and shame. But if we talk about scams and make scam awareness a normal part of the conversation, we take their power away.”
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE BEEN SCAMMED: NICK’S TIPS
“First, take a deep breath. It’s horrible, but it’s not the end of the world,” reassures Nick. If you or someone you know falls victim to a scam, immediate action is crucial:
Report it to the bank: “Many banks will reimburse victims, but you have to report it quickly.”
Contact Action Fraud: “Even if they can’t recover your money, reporting helps build a case against scammers.”
Create a timeline of events: “Write down everything you remember: who called, what they said, what you did. This is vital when speaking to your bank or the authorities.”
Seek emotional support: “You’re not alone. Speak to someone you trust. There’s no shame in being scammed.”