As the cost of living continues to exert pressure on people's finances, many are facing increased financial worries. In the United Kingdom, a substantial 55% of adults found themselves more concerned about their financial situation compared to the previous year.

This heightened financial stress has led to a surge in individuals seeking financial assistance, particularly loans – in fact, there was a 250% increase in searches for instant loans over the past year. Unfortunately, this surge has also given rise to something else: Loan Fee Fraud.

Loan fee fraud preys on those seeking loans online. Victims are enticed with the promise of a loan but are required to make an upfront payment. Scammers, known for their ruthless tactics, often coerce individuals into paying the fee hastily or using unconventional methods such as vouchers or money transfers. The result? Victims are left empty-handed, never receiving the loan they so desperately needed.

The Scammers' Tactics

These fraudsters employ a variety of methods to ensnare unsuspecting victims. Cold calls, unsolicited emails, and social media outreach are common avenues for their deceit. Often, individuals who have recently visited a loan website or interacted with a new social media user find themselves targeted and subsequently duped into paying the upfront fee. This malicious activity further endangers already vulnerable families, making it crucial to shed light on the issue and protect potential victims from loan fee fraud.

Who Falls Victim to Loan Fee Fraud?

Loan fee fraud perpetrators are notorious for targeting society's most financially vulnerable individuals, including those with lower incomes, weaker credit ratings, or limited access to mainstream credit.

On average, victims tend to be:

• Aged between 25 and 45, with the typical age being 37.
• Men are slightly more likely to fall victim to this scam, accounting for 60% of cases compared to women at 40%.
• Victims often work in manual occupations or find themselves unemployed, making them especially susceptible.

Protecting Yourself from Loan Fee Fraud:

At Smart Money Cymru, we are committed to raising awareness about loan fee fraud and providing you with tools to protect yourself from falling victim to this scam. We urge you to follow our simple 3-step loan fee fraud checklist:

Be Wary of Cold Calls and Emails: If you receive unsolicited communication offering a loan, exercise caution. It could be a scam.

Question Upfront Fees: Legitimate lenders do not typically require upfront fees. If you are asked to pay one, it should raise red flags.

Beware of Urgent or Unusual Payment Requests: Scammers often pressure victims to make payments quickly or through unconventional means. Stay vigilant and question any unusual payment requests.

The ongoing concerns about the cost of living have heightened financial worries for many, making it imperative to protect yourself from loan fee fraud. By staying informed and following these simple guidelines, you can safeguard your finances and avoid falling victim to it yourself. So, remember!

• Cold called?
• Asked to pay an upfront fee?
• Pressured to pay quickly or unusually?

Tick any of these? STOP!

Protect yourself from loan fee fraud!