Fraud starts at home

Virgin Money has warned that consumers remain the first line of defence against increasingly sophisticated scams, as its head of fraud urged people to be vigilant in the run-up to the festive season. According to the original report, Gareth Pindred, Head of Fraud for Virgin Money, said: "There is a level of protection your bank can provide, but you are the first line of defence when it comes to protecting yourself from scammers."

Pindred stressed simple, everyday precautions and repeated the bank’s mantra to pause before acting. "Some things may seem like common sense, but the reality is people across the nation are being scammed every week, so it’s the simple things you must keep front of mind," he said. "The chances are, if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t – so ensure you always trust your instincts above all else, and take the time to Stop. Think. Check."

He added practical warnings about device security: "Phone hackers can gain access to your notes or photos and expose personal data, so always protect sensitive information by using locked or private folders that require your device’s screen lock (PIN, pattern, fingerprint, or face unlock)."

The bank’s research highlights how scams are evolving and affecting generations differently. Industry data shows Gen Z is disproportionately targeted by telephone scams, baby boomers by phishing emails and texts, and under‑27s by online shopping fraud. The study also found that 55% of consumers reported an increase in scam attempts over the past year and 74% believe most scams now originate online, underlining why the bank is emphasising online and device-level defences.

To translate that guidance into everyday action, fraud specialists recommend a short checklist of do’s and don’ts routinely cited by Virgin Money and independent experts: never disclose PINs, passwords or one‑time passcodes to anyone (including callers claiming to be bank staff); treat unsolicited calls, texts and emails with caution and verify their source via known contact details; do not click unfamiliar links or open unexpected attachments; avoid storing sensitive information in shared or easily accessible folders; keep devices and apps up to date with security patches; and resist pressure to act immediately , genuine organisations will allow time to check.

Virgin Money has published additional resources and campaign material to help customers spot common ruses such as bank impersonation, QR code scams, fake Black Friday deals, social‑media purchase fraud and recruitment scams. The company said in a statement that customers should check website security before entering payment details, monitor accounts for unusual transactions and report suspicious activity promptly. The bank’s public guidance emphasises verification by contacting the institution using contact details already known to the customer rather than those supplied in the unsolicited message.

Pindred summarised the practical thrust of the campaign: "There are a lot of own goals you can avoid scoring when it comes to staying safe online." He concluded with a broader appeal to personal responsibility: "But most of the advice around staying safe online is the same as staying safe in the physical world – use some common sense, and if something seems too good to be true – it usually is. Remember, the first thing standing between fraudsters and your money is you, so arm yourself and avoid making yourself an easy target."

Source: Noah Wire Services

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