Financial fraud is now the most common crime in Britain, perpetrated in enormous numbers by organised criminals both domestic and international. It hits every part of society, but with most fraud now experienced online, younger generations – digital natives who are most likely to use the internet for banking, shopping and to share their details online – are now the most vulnerable. The threat includes criminals illegally accessing personal accounts and cards to steal money, as well as the subtler problem of scams, where the victim makes a payment under false pretences.

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