CYBER CRIMINALS in the Thames Valley stole over £100,000 from older residents last year, according to Age UK.
Data from Action Fraud, the national fraud reporting centre, shows that over 55s made up 17% of all cybercrime victims in the area between April 2018 and March2019.
Cybercrime takes many forms – the most common methods include investment fraud, identity theft and blackmail.
And Thames Valley residents over the age of 55 were reportedly scammed out of £111,186 last year, with Thames Valley Police receiving 167 reports of cybercrime.
However, it is estimated that only 3% of cybercrime incidents are reported, meaning the actual figures could be much higher.
Thames Valley Police reported the 12th highest financial loss for people aged 55 or over when compared to police forces throughout England and Wales.
The Metropolitan Police Service reported by far the greatest loss at £720,795 last year.
And the problem has intensified during lockdown.
Older people in England and Wales lost more than £2.4 million over the course of lockdown, scammed out of their money by Covid-19 related fraud.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “During lockdown, the majority of us relied on the internet to stay connected and we know that some older people were encouraged to go online for the first time.
“That’s hopefully something they have enjoyed and benefited from and will want to continue now lockdown is being eased.
“However, unfortunately we also know that cybercriminals were very active in exploiting the situation, seeking to con older people out of their hard-earned cash.”
The majority of Coronavirus-related fraud involves online purchases for face masks that never arrive, and phishing emails which claim to be from the Government and health bodies.
“Fraud and cybercrime can have catastrophic and life-changing effects, not just financially, but on older people’s health and wellbeing.
“We know it is a hugely under reported crime, so these figures are likely to just be the tip of the iceberg,” Ms Abrahams added.
Age UK is now calling for social media and technology firms to do more to protect users against fraud and cybercrime, including shutting down fake profiles, and preventing scamming adverts appearing in the first place.
Older people and their families can find advice and tips on staying safe online by visiting Age UK’s website at www.ageuk.org.uk/scams
