Cryptocurrency scams reported to Santander reach £1m each month - here’s how to avoid them
Scams include a fraudster taking over a victim’s computer and freezing them out of their accounts, Santander said.
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Your support makes all the difference.Around £1 million-worth of cryptocurrency scams are being reported to Santander UK by its customers each month.
The bank said it has recently seen an increase in the value of such cases, which can involve a fraudster taking over a victim’s computer and freezing them out of their accounts.
Customers may see adverts online for cryptocurrency investment “opportunities”, or be introduced to them by other social media users, and adverts can appear to be endorsed by celebrities.
After sharing their contact details, victims are then offered “high returns” and they may be put under pressure to invest.
The customer may then be told to download software to support them opening cryptocurrency accounts. The remote access software gives the fraudster full access to the computer.
Now more than ever, it’s so important to take the time to research where your money is going before you make a payment. If you don’t, you risk simply never seeing it again
After the victim has opened cryptocurrency accounts and deposited money, the fraudster takes over and freezes the customer out of their account.
Santander said those affected should tell their bank immediately and if they have downloaded software they should turn off and unplug their computer and not use it until the software has been removed and the computer checked by a technician.
Chris Ainsley, head of fraud control at Santander UK, said: “We’re seeing more and more cases where fraudsters use complex cryptocurrency jargon, high pressured sales tactics and fake celebrity endorsements, along with the promise of significant rewards, to lull people into a false sense of security.
“Now more than ever, it’s so important to take the time to research where your money is going before you make a payment. If you don’t, you risk simply never seeing it again.”
In one case, a customer named Ms C had been following someone on social media who dealt with crypto investments. She messaged the user and asked for help with investing. She was told where to send her money and over three weeks she transferred £3,200 to two accounts.
She did not receive any official documentation that referenced crypto assets or trading. She received another request to transfer money to another account under a different name but queried the payment.
Shortly after this, the social media account was deleted, and she was unable to contact the person further. She then attempted to contact the trading platform directly but was told it had no accounts under her name.
When Santander attempted to recover the funds for Ms C, it was informed that all the transfers had been spent by the recipients within an hour of the payments being made.
Here are Santander’s tips to avoid cryptocurrency scams:
– A “celebrity endorsed” investment does not mean it is genuine.
– Do not allow anyone to set up a cryptocurrency wallet, upload ID documents or manage investments on your behalf remotely.
– Be cautious of any investment offers made on social media or over the phone. If you are thinking about making an investment, research the company first and consider getting independent advice.
– Do not give in to pressure selling with limited timescales and promises of too-good-to-be-true returns.
– Use the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) website – fca.org.uk – to look up the company you are buying crypto from and check it is a legitimate registered firm, not unregistered, or a clone or fake. Then call using the number on the FCA website when you set up a payment and every time you make a payment, even if you think it is going to the same place.
– The FCA also has ScamSmart – fca.org.uk/scamsmart – an online tool to help identify if your investment is a scam.