Cold calls continue to be an issue as fraudsters try their luck in a bid to scam unknowing victims.
But to help you know what to look out for, a cybersecurity expert has revealed three phrases to listen for for when called by an unknown number. With lots of fraud attempts originating from social media, online marketplaces and dating apps, losses totalled £1.3billion in 2021 - the latest figure available from UK Finance, who represent the banking industry.
Specifically, fraudsters try to disguise themselves as legitimate retailers, with a risk of scams on WhatsApp, including the notorious "hi mum, hi dad" con, reports The Mirror.
But to help, Dr Klaus Schenk, head of product security at the software company Verimatrix, has issued some advice, explaining the "warning signs" to look out for if you find yourself in a cold call situation.
According to the expert, it is key to look out for three particular phrases, telling The Sun: "Be wary if the caller asks for immediate payment or requests you to disclose personal information.
"Promises of lucrative financial opportunities or gifts, along with emotional manipulation tactics, should also raise suspicion. Thirdly, you should be very cautious when anyone on the phone asks you to "install an app".
"Similarly, if the caller insists on installing certain apps or demands a comprehensive set of personal details, it is advisable to exercise caution", Dr Klaus added.
The comments follow a warning from Martin Lewis, with the money expert highlighting a "disgraceful" deep fake scam advert for an investment app.
Reportedly circulating on Facebook, Martin claimed the ad is being used to "pervert and destroy" his reputation in order to scam people online.
The advert appears to show the financial guru endorsing an investment scheme, backed by Twitter owner Elon Musk, in a clip at his "home".
In the AI generated footage, Martin says: "Musk's new project opens up new opportunities for British citizens. No project has ever given such opportunities to residents of the country".
The deep-fake clip has been made to replicate the MoneySavingExpert.com finder's face and voice using existing video and sound, with Martin describing the footage as "frightening".
He told the BBC: "These people are trying to pervert and destroy my reputation in order to steal money off vulnerable people, and frankly it is disgraceful, and people are going to lose money and people's mental health are going to be affected."
He said it was the first time he has been used in this sort of video scam.
The broadcasters also warned his 2.3million Twitter followers that more needs to be done to protect those victim to financial crimes.
"Vulnerable people and many non-vulnerable people are being scammed in this country and nothing is being done about it", he said.
Adding that there is currently no "proper" fines for big tech firms who are paid to publish criminal ads such as these,
Currently, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp owner Meta are working with Stop Scams UK in a bid to help victims as well as removing scams from sites as soon as they become aware.
The tech-giant stated that scammers are becoming more and more sophisticated as they attempt to defraud people, with Meta now investigating after claims the Martin Lewis clip appeared on Facebook.
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