Today, MPs will grill ministers about their inaction to combat online frauds.
John Glen (economic secretary to Treasury) and Damian Hinds (security minister), will appear in front of the Treasury committee. They are appearing amid rising internet fraud.
The fraud plan that they have created will be examined by the public. Critics claim it lacks meat and explain why they refuse to allow scams to be included in the Online Safety Bill.
In the shadows: Britons were conned out of £753.9m in the first six months of this year alone
Banks warn that the festive season is going to be busy for criminals seeking to take unsuspecting victims.
Britons were conned out of £753.9m in the first six months of this year alone – up 30 per cent on the same time in 2020, according to data from UK Finance. The chairman of the committee, Mel Stride (a Tory MP), stated that it was clear that more action is required to protect individual citizens. We have heard many heartbreaking stories from victims of scammers as MPs.
“We will ask ministers how they intend to combat scammers and protect victims from fraud, as well as what their plans are for compensating the victims. With out more action from the Government, an increasing number of innocent individuals will fall victim to these criminals.’
Liz Ziegler from Lloyds Bank stated: “With many consumers willing to take greater risks due to concerns about supply shortages nearer Christmas,” this Black Friday period will likely be one of most busy for criminals trying to lure online bargain hunters.
The Online Safety Bill will include frauds. It will require tech companies and their regulators to verify any ads they place and make sure that the platforms are protected.
Daily Mail has been calling on ministers to get involved. However, they refuse to include any scams in the bill.
Scam adverts will be investigated by the government’s online advertising programme, according to the claim.