At least according to this UK survey, the most likely victims of scams aren’t old people. They’re millennials and Gen Zs – 18- to 34-year-olds.
According to the Evening Standard (Fifth of 18 to 34-year-olds have fallen victim to financial scams – survey, written by Vicky Shaw), people aged 34 or under are around twice as likely to have fallen victim to a scam as older age groups. Specifically, just over a fifth (22%) of 18 to 34-year-olds said they had been the victim of financial fraud at least once, compared with 12% of people aged 35 to 54 and around one in 10 over-55s.
This result per a survey of 4,000 people across the UK in September, which was carried out for online bank Marcus by Goldman Sachs.
Despite the findings, more than half (55%) of 18 to 34-year-olds would consider themselves too technologically savvy to be scammed.
However, one in five (21%) 18 to 34-year-olds said they struggle to think clearly when put under pressure during a cold call and nearly half (48%) would act on impulse if they see something that appears to be a good deal.
Sarah Card, head of delivery and risk at Marcus by Goldman Sachs said: “One reason why younger people could be more susceptible to fraud is they are more active in posting their personal details online, making them a target for fraudsters.
“However, fraudsters do not discriminate and no matter your age or how technologically savvy you might consider yourself, it is important that you remain vigilant.
“There are a variety of types of scams out there to be aware of, including phishing emails, phone and text message scams, or those impersonating an organisation using a cloned website. Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests and trust your instincts; no trusted organisation would put pressure on you to make a transaction on the spot.”
So, it’s not the old people who are the most likely victims of scams, at least according to this survey – it’s the “technologically savvy” millennials and Gen Zs! Even the “technologically savvy” need to be careful out there!
“Old” people: feel free to torture your kids (or grandkids) with that stat! 😀
So, what do you think? Are you surprised that 18 to 34-year-olds are the most likely victims of scams? Please share any comments you might have or if you’d like to know more about a particular topic.
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