ISLANDERS have lost over £2.5 million to scams in recent months.
Jersey Fraud Prevention Forum said there were 91 incidences of fraud between April and August this year, with Islanders over 70 making up a quarter of victims.
The most lucrative schemes used by fraudsters include banking and WhatsApp impersonation scams, as well as invoice scams, with four local businesses among the dozens of victims.
And 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.
Ahead of Fraud Prevention Week – which starts on Sunday – 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 States police on 612 612.
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, JFPF members will be at Charing Cross on Wednesday 15 November between 11am and 3pm to raise awareness of the methods fraudsters use, and to offer advice on how to avoid being scammed.
