Fake advertising and exploitation
Criminals are also using fake advertising, such as fake investment opportunities and adverts for Covid-related products such as hand sanitiser and face masks which do not exist.
There have also been cases of exploitation by online dating websites. Fake social media pages are created, sometimes using the identities of real people, to manipulate victims into handing over money.
For further information about reporting fraud and cyber crime, visit actionfraud.police.uk
Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime where you should report fraud if you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.