SCAMMING INDUSTRY IN THE UK

Early day motion 1890, tabled 29 November 2018 by Patricia Gibson (Scottish National Party). Signed by 27 members.

That this House recognises the increasing sophistication of the scamming industry; notes that, according to UK Finance, more than £500 million was stolen by scammers in the first six months of 2018; further notes that mobile banking fraud had risen by 54 per cent in the same period in 2017, with bank transfer scams accounting for losses of £800,000 every day; understands that internet banking fraud during this time totalled £54.7 million; expresses its concern that increases in major data breaches will result in more people being vulnerable to online hacking and identity fraud; further recognises the developments in sextortion, pension scams and impersonation fraud; condemns the rise in fraud recovery scams, which see victims of fraud targeted a second time; acknowledges the impact of such scams is not just financial loss, but a breakdown in consumer confidence; and urges the Government to ensure greater protections are in place for consumers, both to reimburse them for their losses if they fall victim to such a crime, and to increase efforts to raise awareness to help prevent scamming in the first place.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 13, Labour 6, Conservative 3, DUP 3, Labour/Co-operative 1, Plaid Cymru 1.