Nottinghamshire man left liable for six loans after cyber scam

The victims of the scam were lured in by flashy adverts and pop-ups for an online investment scheme.

After initially seeing promising returns they were each persuaded to take out bank loans to fund additional investment.

It is at this point that the scammers struck – convincing the victims to grant remote access to their phones, computer and tablets to help guide them through the application process.

The victims’ details were then used to secure multiple loans, with the online scammers then transferring the funds into their own accounts and disappearing.

One Nottinghamshire victim, a man in his 20s, was left liable for six loans totalling £118,500, while a woman in her 60s fell into £24,000 of debt in similar circumstances.

Kirsty Jackson, a cyber protect officer at Nottinghamshire Police, urged people to be vigilant.

She said: “These online investment scammers pose as legitimate companies with hundreds of positive reviews.

“It can be very easy to become a victim. It is therefore extremely important that people only grant remote access to their mobile phone, iPad, laptop or computer if they are asked by someone they know and trust, such as a friend or family member.”

Action Fraud advice

Only install software or grant remote access to your computer if asked by someone you know and trust, such as a friend or family member, and never as a result of an unsolicited call, browser pop up, or message.

The public are reminded banks or service providers will never contact out of the blue requesting remote access to your device.

If you think your device is infected with a virus or by a type of malware, follow the National Cyber Security Centre guidance on recovering an infected device.

For more information on how to protect yourself online, see eastmidlandscybersecure.co.uk/nottinghamshire.

Incidents should be reported to Action Fraud in the first instance by calling 0300 123 2040. You can then make a further report to Nottinghamshire Police by calling 101 and quoting the Action Fraud reference number.