Banking fraud has entered a new era. Traditional card fraud hasn’t disappeared, but the fastest‑growing threats now rely on psychological manipulation rather than technical hacking. Criminals increasingly target individuals directly, persuading them to hand over money or sensitive information under carefully constructed false pretense.

Social engineering sits at the heart of modern fraud. Text messages, emails and phone calls impersonating banks, HMRC, delivery companies or utility providers are carefully crafted to appear legitimate and urgent. These communications are designed to provoke fear, authority or panic, encouraging quick action before verification can take place.

Behavioural economist Daniel Kahneman notes that when people are under cognitive strain, they are far more likely to make mistakes — a vulnerability fraudsters exploit deliberately.

Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud has become one of the most damaging forms of financial crime. Victims are manipulated into transferring funds themselves, often believing they are paying a genuine business, professional adviser or investment platform. Because the payment is technically “authorised”, banks may initially resist reimbursing the loss.

Advances in artificial intelligence have made these scams even more convincing. Deepfake voice calls, personalised phishing emails and highly realistic impersonations are no longer rare. Long‑con scams — especially those blending romance, trust‑building and fake investment opportunities — can unfold over weeks or months before money is requested, often for fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes.

For many victims, the most distressing stage comes after the scam. When banks refuse refunds or rely on complex rules, people can be left feeling blamed, dismissed or powerless. EtP membership offers access to experienced advocates who can help you understand your rights, prepare clear and effective complaints, and escalate disputes when necessary.

In a rapidly evolving fraud landscape, informed support can make all the difference — so why not join today?