Scams linked to parcel deliveries come top in 2023 in the East of England, while scams linked to deliveries and parcels, banking and investment come top for 2023 in the Eastern region.

Parcel delivery scams are by far the most common scam faced by the public so far this year. That’s according to new research from Citizens Advice released as part of its Scams Awareness campaign.

The charity’s research reveals that 40 million people have been targeted by scams already in 2023, with over 450,000 of those living in the East of England.

A shocking 60 per cent of those targeted by scammers in this region have been on the receiving end of a malicious parcel delivery scam, with scammers attempting to get hold of personal information or bank details by sending a text or email claiming to be from a delivery company to reschedule or pay additional delivery fees. 

Several of the most frequently encountered forms of scams involve quite sophisticated impersonation of official organisations.

Twenty-nine per cent of those affected by scams in this area were targeted by banking scams where it is common to receive correspondence claiming to be from one of the banks in an attempt to obtain someone’s personal details.

Similarly, 29 per cent were targeted by investment scams involving get-rich-quick schemes and cryptocurrency scams

Citizens Advice Consumer Service received over 9,000 reports of scams between January to April 2023. The charity is urging more people to report scams to help protect others from falling victim.

Rosie Waters, CEO of Citizens Advice North Herts, said: "Anyone can be targeted by a scam and sadly anyone can fall for one.

"As scammers get ever more sophisticated it’s more important than ever that we all work together to raise awareness, report scams and share our experiences to help protect ourselves from their tricks."

If you’ve been scammed:Talk to your bank or card company immediately if you’ve handed over any financial and sensitive information or made a payment

Report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 204.

Contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 if you need more help or visit our website.

To contact Citizens Advice North Herts or Citizens Advice Stevenage call their Adviceline on 0800 144 88 48.