Millions of Brits have been scammed by 'Government, banks, and more' – take these steps to protect your money

So, how are these scammers able to be so successful?

Many are impersonating well-known companies, banks, or the UK Government.

The UK’s most impersonated brands are Royal Mail – with 40% of UK adults saying they have received a fake message from fraudsters claiming to be from the firm – and Evri – with 38% reporting a similar message from the courier.

Scammers have been able to impersonate these brands through delivery fraud, where you are notified about a fictitious upcoming or missed parcel delivery.

Mr. Kejriwal stated: “These scams don’t just look real, they feel real. Whether it’s a delivery text arriving just when you’re expecting a parcel, or an email that looks like it’s from your bank, it’s more important than ever that consumers stay vigilant.”

Chad Reimers, general manager of identity and fraud at TransUnion in the UK and Europe, said: “Consumers should be aware that even if a relatively small sum of money has been lost, it may just be the first phase of the fraudster’s objective.

"In some instances, once fraudsters have access to personal details or login credentials, they will look to ‘take over the account,’ leading to further financial withdrawals, applying for additional credit lines and in some cases may even coach or coerce witting or unwitting money mules to shift funds quickly through accounts to launder their ill-got gains.

“It is, therefore, important that consumers stay vigilant and immediately report suspicious activity, especially in situations where they suspect their details have been compromised, and not just when money has been taken.”

So, what can you do to prepare for these fraud attempts before they happen?

Security experts recommend a few steps to help shield against these types of attacks, starting with managing your passwords. Nobody can recall dozens of unique alphanumeric passwords without help, and that's where password managers come in.

These popular applications can generate super-secure passwords for every account, storing them in an encrypted safe that can be accessed from any of your devices. To log in, most of these applications only require a quick biometric check – facial recognition on the iPhone or a fingerprint scan on Windows PCs and Android.

When it's time to log in to your account, the password managers can autofill all of the details with a tap. Many of the most popular options also have systems that monitor ongoing data breaches, warning if any of the websites or mobile apps that you use have been attacked by criminals. If the worst happens and your details are compromised, you can rest easy knowing that none of your other accounts share the same password.

It's critical to never reuse passwords across different accounts, as this creates a dangerous domino effect if one is compromised.

Experts recommend using a password that's at least 12 characters long, includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols. Avoid using recognisable words, names, sequences, or patterns that could be easily guessed.

Outside of the password itself, enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible to add an extra layer of security. This sends a one-time passcode to an email account or mobile phone. Even if hackers get their hands on your username and password, this will prevent them from logging into your account.

Finally, consider using passkeys where available, as major providers like Google, Microsoft, and Apple support this alternative. These allow you to sign in to apps, websites, and other online accounts in the same manner that you unlock your device – using a fingerprint, a face, or an on-screen PIN.

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Explaining the advantages of using a passkey over a traditional password in an FAQ on its website, Microsoft writes: "Passkeys are the future of authentication, and for good reason!

"They're incredibly easy to use and intuitive, eliminating the need for complicated password creation processes and the hassle of remembering them. Plus, they're unique to each website or application, so you don't have to worry about someone using your passkey to access other services.

"And unlike passwords, passkeys are resistant to phishing attempts, making them a much more secure option. Best of all, you can use your passkey across all your devices, so you never have to worry about forgetting your password again!"