Kingsley Hayes, MD at data breach and cybersecurity specialist Hayes Connor Solicitors
By Legal Futures’ Associates Hayes Connor Solicitors
The Martin Lewis Money Show this week reported that the UK is currently facing an epidemic of scams with online ads featuring high profile individuals, including Martin Lewis himself, being used to dupe £millions from the unsuspecting public.
The programme described the current climate as “the Wild West” with scammers using increasingly complex and sophisticated means to successfully carry out significant fraud highlighting that the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has no powers to stop this type of activity.
Kingsley Hayes, managing director at data breach and cybercrime specialist Hayes Connor Solicitors, said: “This really highlights the extent of the problem facing consumers today. The ease with which scammers can obtain public trust – and access to the public’s purse – is painfully breathtaking.
“The Authorised Push Payment (APP) Scam Code came into effect on 28th May 2019 providing individuals with greater protection. Under the code, individuals can receive a full reimbursement of authorised payments made in fraudulent circumstances.
“This is a good start however, the APP Scam Code is voluntary so some may find that their bank is not signed up to it, and therefore they are not protected. In order to receive a full reimbursement, the affected individual also needs to show that their actions meet with the code’s criteria.
“Scammers now have infinite avenues with which to target unsuspecting victims. Individuals, and businesses, need to be one step ahead at all times to prevent an incident which will inevitably be devastating.”
Hayes Connor Solicitors is a data breach and cybercrime specialist firm representing thousands of claimants with current data breach actions against British Airways, Dixons Carphone, Equifax, Marriott International, OnePlus, The Police Federation of England and Wales, TeamSport and Ticketmaster.
For more information about Hayes Connor Solicitors, visit the website at www.hayesconnor.co.uk
