The Digester

Scammers are posing as new friends on Facebook and Instagram to build trust with older people and extract repeated small payments or larger sums, often using gift cards and bank transfers; charities and banks urge vigilance and reporting.

Criminals befriend victims on social media groups or direct messages and groom them using shared interests.
Scammers ask for small repeated payments or larger urgent sums and often demand gift cards or bank transfers.
TSB says the average loss per victim is about £3,100 and some people lose thousands over months or years.
Age UK says isolated or bereaved older people are particularly vulnerable to this form of fraud.
If money is requested, sever contact, report to Report Fraud, and contact your bank while saving all communications.
Reduce risk by tightening social media privacy, questioning money requests, and checking stories for inconsistencies.

TSB warns of rise in 'friendship fraud' targeting older people

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