One scam involves calls from people claiming to be from Microsoft and offering to fix a deadly virus on the target’s computer for a small sum of money Photograph: iStock
2: Bogus broadband provider scams. Emails or messages from your broadband or phone company offering upgrades, refunds or other tech improvements can hit people hard, particularly if they are actually having issues with their provider or would be in the market for an upgrade. 5: Investment fraud. We have heard from a great many people who have lost money after being duped by criminals promising significant returns on investment. What is most troubling is that most of those who are caught out are those who are financially vulnerable and so more likely to suspend their disbelief to find a way out of a financial predicament.
8: The Wangiri fraud. This sees scammers leaving missed calls from mysterious numbers on mobile phones. When calls are returned they are diverted to premium rate numbers overseas to the victim’s cost.