LLOYDS BANK WARNING AS PEOPLE HAVE MONEY PUT INTO ACCOUNTS

Lloyds Bank has issued a warning to its customers after noticing an increase in "advance fee" scams. Earlier this year, the bank's fraud experts shared data and advice about these scams, which often start on social media platforms and are advertised as remote work or content creator roles.

These scams target jobseekers across the UK, with victims losing an average of £1,420. However, some people have been defrauded out of more than £5,000, Lloyds said. Young job seekers are the main targets, with over half of all cases (53%) involving victims aged 18 to 34.

Scammers lure job seekers with fake job offers, often consisting of simple online tasks such as reviewing hotels or liking TikTok videos. These "jobs" promise high earning opportunities and commission, all from the comfort of home. However, people are often asked to pay upfront fees for things like training, DBS checks, and application processing.

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Once these payments are made, victims are blocked or ignored. Some of the more complex cases involve fake interviews and contracts, and scammers may impersonate legitimate recruitment agencies and set up counterfeit websites to aid their scams.

In some instances, people initially receive cash, but this is typically money from other unsuspecting scam victims. Targets are sometimes included in WhatsApp group chats or shown false screenshots of inflated bank balances to enhance the illusion of legitimacy.

Certain scams use cryptocurrency wallets or task-based platforms, while some victims are even manipulated into transferring funds or acting as intermediaries, unknowingly becoming money mules, which constitutes a criminal offence.

Christina Ford, Fraud Investigator at Lloyds, warned: "In my role, I've spoken to a number of customers who have been approached unexpectedly with job offers or they've responded to advertisements promising quick cash or remote working opportunities. These offers usually take place on social media platforms, sometimes not even framed as a job advert, but instead in the form of a fake profile talking about a great job opportunity they've had themselves.

"Conversations often shift to other apps, where individuals are added to group chats posing as workspaces. The roles presented appear simple, such as watching or liking TikTok videos or writing fake reviews to boost company ratings.

"Customers are told they will earn a set amount per task and initially receive payments into their accounts. However, these payments are often sent by other scam victims who believe they are paying to unlock higher-paying tasks."

People are urged to watch out for job offers promising easy money, or unsolicited adverts. Social media, Ms Ziegler said, is a "hunting ground" for fraudsters. If you spot anything suspicious, you should report it to Action Fraud.

2025-11-08T03:43:29Z