Latest News & Insights - CEL Solicitors

Fraud Trends 2024: How to Stay Safe

danielkeeling — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 09:07:15 +0000

With nearly £1.2 billion lost due to both authorised and unauthorised push payment fraud in 2023, financial crimes remained a significant issue.

Despite some reductions in specific areas, fraud remains a persistent and evolving threat, representing over 40% of reported crime in the UK. By understanding the current fraud landscape, we can better prepare and protect ourselves against its damaging effects.

UK Finance has released its annual fraud report, examining the impact of regulatory and consumer behaviour changes across various types of fraud. We have attempted to distil some of these findings below. The full fraud report can be found here: Annual Fraud Report 2024.

Financial and Emotional Impact

The financial repercussions of fraud in 2023 were substantial, with nearly £1.2 billion lost across almost three million cases. This staggering figure highlights just how common and damaging the economic impact of fraud truly is.

Fraud doesn’t just steal money, however. It also has a devastating impact on the emotional well-being of victims – some of whom have lost their life savings. Fraud is a deeply manipulative financial crime that can cause severe emotional distress.

“Harrowing case studies we often read about in the media. It is only by stopping fraud happening in the first place that we will truly protect people.” – UK Finance.

Victims often experience significant psychological harm, feeling betrayed and violated, and often mistakenly believing that they are the ones at fault. The emotional impact is particularly strong in cases of romance fraud. Victims may have spent weeks or months speaking with their scammer, truly believing they have an emotional connection.

The combination of financial loss and emotional trauma makes fraud a particularly nasty crime. It disrupts lives, undermines trust, and leaves lasting scars on its victims.

Prevalence and Methods of Fraud

Fraudulent activity accounts for over 40 per cent of reported crime in the UK.

In 2023, Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud incidents rose significantly, reaching 232,429 cases—a 12 per cent increase from the previous year. This surge highlights the growing sophistication and adaptability of fraudsters. Furthermore, this number only accounts for reported incidents. The true impact is far greater, with many victims choosing not to report their loss due to embarrassment or fear of judgment.

“A recurring theme in this year’s data is, once again, this shift towards the compromise of personal data, and social engineering to take over accounts or trick consumers into making payments.” – UK Finance.

By compromising personal and financial data, criminals trick victims into making payments or providing enough information to gain control of accounts. This manipulative approach includes impersonation scams, where fraudsters pose as trusted entities, and purchase scams, where they deceive victims into paying for non-existent goods or services.

The focus appears to have shifted towards lower-value, higher-volume attacks, reflecting fraudsters’ evolving strategies to maximise their gains while minimising the risk of being caught.

Technological and Regulatory Responses

Technological advancements and regulatory measures are being deployed in response to the increasing threat of fraud. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning has proven to be a double-edged sword.

“As fraudster attacks begin to leverage AI, the volume of customers fooled will increase, meaning more fraudulent payments will be processed, therefore fraud rates will increase.” – UK Finance

While AI technologies can enhance security measures, they also provide fraudsters with powerful tools to create convincing and sophisticated scams en masse. The ability of AI to create realistic images, scripts, videos, and voices in seconds has made it easier for fraudsters to trick even tech-savvy and fraud-conscious victims.

Regulatory bodies like the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) are stepping up their efforts to combat fraud. The PSR’s impending policies aim to protect the most vulnerable and ensure financial institutions take greater responsibility for preventing fraud. These measures include mandatory reimbursement for victims of APP fraud, which is expected to increase the reimbursement rates from the 62 per cent reported in 2023. Such regulatory changes are crucial for holding banks accountable and ensuring victims receive timely compensation.

Fraud Prevention and Recovery

The findings from 2023 paint a stark picture of the current fraud landscape, characterised by significant financial losses, emotional trauma for victims, and increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics. To effectively combat fraud, a comprehensive approach is essential.

“The tide of criminal activity targeting consumers, their means of payment and personal data shows little sign of abating, according to the latest fraud data reported by UK Finance members.” – UK Finance

Individuals should remain vigilant, safeguarding their personal and financial information and being wary of unsolicited communications that may be fraudulent. Financial institutions must continue innovating and employing advanced technologies to detect and prevent fraud while collaborating closely with regulatory bodies to ensure robust consumer protection.

Regulatory efforts, such as those spearheaded by the PSR are vital in creating a safer financial environment. By enforcing stricter measures and ensuring that victims are reimbursed, these initiatives help to mitigate the impact of fraud and provide much-needed support to those affected.

Banks and payment service providers must safeguard their clients using their expertise and data for fraud detection. This means taking proactive fraud prevention measures to stop these crimes before they are allowed to happen. By utilising their knowledge and resources, they can effectively protect their customers from falling victim to scams. Financial institutions must stay vigilant and stay one step ahead of fraudsters.

Furthermore, when banks fail to reimburse defrauded clients, recovery specialists like CEL Solicitors are on hand to offer advice and support and, ultimately, to help get the victim’s money back.

If you’ve been a victim of fraud and your bank refuses to help, do not give up. You might be able to get all of your money back. The fraud recovery team at CEL Solicitors has assisted thousands of people in recovering millions of pounds lost to scammers. Call 0330 822 3762 or apply online to start your no-win, no-fee claim today with nothing to pay up-front.

Common Red Flags of Romance Fraud

rebeccaihiekwe — Fri, 31 May 2024 13:12:50 +0000

In today’s digital age, romance fraud has become increasingly prevalent with scammers targeting individuals who are often lonely and looking for love and companionship.

CEL Solicitors have recovered over £70 million to date, much of which has been from romance fraud cases. We are dedicated not only to empowering victims to retrieve their lost funds but also to equipping people to spot the signs of romance fraud, as we understand the devastating impact it can have. Read our red flags to look out for when looking for love online.

1. Love Bombing

One of the earliest and most noticeable signs of a romance scam is love bombing. This tactic involves overwhelming the victim with excessive attention, affection, and declarations of love in a short period, often in the initial stages of the relationship.

Scammers may send constant messages, shower the victim with compliments, and express strong feelings after just a few interactions.

2. Reluctance to Meet in Person

If you have developed a relationship with someone online and they are reluctant to meet in person, this may be an indicator of a romance scam. They might claim to work abroad, have a medical emergency, or be dealing with family issues. While long-distance relationships can be genuine, fraudsters often avoid face-to-face meetings to maintain their deception.

3. Requests for Money and Interests in Personal Finances

A fraudster will eventually request money, often claiming it is for an urgent or dire situation, such as medical emergencies, plane tickets, or legal fees. Fraudsters may also show an unusual interest in your finances by asking about your savings or income. This is a tactic employed by many scammers to persuade their victims to invest in bogus cryptocurrency schemes.

Recovering Money from a Romance Scam

Romance scams share common characteristics with other types of fraud. At their core, all scams involve deceit, where the fraudster crafts elaborate lies to mislead their victims. They manipulate trust, often spending weeks or months building a seemingly genuine relationship which ultimately leads to significant financial loss for the victims and emotional turmoil. Recognising these signs can help individuals stay vigilant against this devastating kind of fraud.

If you’ve fallen victim to a romance scam, there is still hope for getting your money back. Our dedicated fraud and scam team is on hand to help you recover your money. Tell CEL today on 0808 273 0900 or apply online and a member of our team will be in touch.

The Hollywood Con Queen: An Elaborate Impersonation Scam

danielkeeling — Thu, 23 May 2024 10:56:14 +0000

New to Apple TV, the Hollywood Con Queen, is an astonishing tale of deception, manipulation, and intrigue that rocked the US film industry. The elaborate scam, which spanned ten years, targeted hundreds of aspiring professionals chasing the Hollywood dream.

What happened in the Hollywood Con Queen?

The saga began with the impersonation of some of Hollywood’s most influential women. Posing as senior executives and prominent producers, the con artist targeted Hollywood hopefuls in a scam that wouldn’t look out of place in a blockbuster movie script.

Those impersonated included Sherry Lansing, CEO of Paramount Pictures, Amy Pascal, the co-chair of Sony Pictures and Wendi Deng Murdoch, a high-profile businesswoman (and former wife of media mogul – Rupert Murdoch).

To convince would-be victims they were the real deal, the imposter would regularly conduct elaborate telephone interviews for high-profile projects, duping aspiring professionals and in some cases established individuals into believing that this was their ‘big break’.

Hollywood dream turned nightmare

After gaining the victims’ trust, the Hollywood Con Queen would then exploit them for personal and/or financial gain. In some cases, victims experienced sexual harassment, in other cases, they were coerced into handing over money for bogus opportunities.

Common preliminary ‘expenses’ included money for additional acting lessons or personal trainers. As ‘projects’ progressed, costs involved travel expenses such as visas, airfares, and hotel stays. These payments, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, were wired to overseas accounts, making the money difficult to trace.

Over the years, multiple reports of similar experiences pointed to a single perpetrator orchestrating and repeating the same elaborate scam. Despite efforts by law enforcement agencies and private investigators to apprehend the scammer, the Hollywood Con Queen remained elusive for more than a decade.

Who is the Hollywood Con Queen and where are they now?

Apple TV revealed the Hollywood Con Queen as an Indonesian man named Hargobind Tahilramani. The series, based on the book ‘The Con Queen of Hollywood: The Hunt for an Evil Genius’, saw the author – Scott Johnson – track Tahilramani down to the UK where he was trying to carve out a career as an ‘influencer’.

In the documentary, Johnson takes viewers through the research for his book, and ultimate meeting with Tahilramani, whilst a private investigator – Nicole Kotisianas – shares her own investigation which she later handed over to the FBI. The FBI subsequently arrested Tahilramani in Manchester, England in November 2020.

Tahilramani remained in custody in the UK until June 2023, when a judge ruled that he could be extradited to the US. He currently remains in the UK, where he is fighting extradition, for several charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Jessica Hampson, CEO at CEL Solicitors, said: “The Hollywood Con Queen serves as a cautionary tale, reminding individuals to be vigilant of unsolicited approaches made online. And whilst the competitive world of entertainment lends itself to this type of scam it’s important to remember these cases aren’t confined to Hollywood.

“We see lots of job scams, often across far less high-profile industries. They typically involve work-from-home roles with tasks such as reviewing products online. The catch is often training materials or other set-up costs which people pay in advance – ultimately losing their hard-earned cash to scammers. Our advice would be to really scrutinise and where possible verify job offers, especially those originating online.”

If you have lost money to a scam, tell CEL. Our fraud recovery service has helped thousands of victims to recover their money and get their lives back on track. Call 0333 242 7128 or enquire online to get your money back.

Vulnerable Road Users at Highest Risk Since Pre-Pandemic

danielkeeling — Thu, 16 May 2024 08:58:15 +0000

During the pandemic-induced lockdowns, British streets and highways were left more or less empty. For those not considered “Essential Workers”, commutes became a thing of the past, and travelling for fun became a luxury few could afford.

Since the reopening of society however, our roads have seen a growing level of traffic, due in no small part to the end of many work-from-home schemes. With the increase in traffic, comes an increase in accidents.

An analysis of road traffic accident data in the UK from 2018 to 2022 highlights significant risks faced by vulnerable road users, particularly pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Despite their smaller numbers compared to car occupants, these groups suffer a disproportionately high number of accidents.

Total Accidents Overview

Over the five-year period, the total number of road traffic accidents has varied, with a notable increase between 2020 and 2022:

2018: 1,784 accidents

2019: 1,752 accidents

2020: 1,460 accidents

2021: 1,558 accidents

2022: 1,711 accidents

The rise in accidents in 2022 is particularly alarming, as it represents the highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic began, reversing the decline seen during the lockdown periods.

Vulnerable Road Users: Pedestrians, Pedal Cyclists, and Motorcyclists

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians face a high risk of accidents, with males making up roughly two-thirds of all accidents each year:

2018: 456 (298 males, 158 females)

2019: 470 (324 males, 146 females)

2020: 346 (244 males, 102 females)

2021: 361 (246 males, 115 females)

2022: 385 (256 males, 129 females)

Despite a decrease in 2020, likely due to reduced road activity during the COVID-19 lockdowns, the numbers have been rising again, indicating an escalating danger for pedestrians.

Bicycle Accidents

Pedal cyclists, though fewer in number, also face considerable risks on the roads:

2018: 99 (81 males, 18 females)

2019: 100 (86 males, 14 females)

2020: 141 (130 males, 11 females)

2021: 111 (94 males, 17 females)

2022: 91 (76 males, 15 females)

The spike in 2020 may correlate with an increase in cycling during the pandemic, reflecting a surge in bike accidents. This refers to both situations where a vehicle crashes into a bicycle or when a bike crashes into a person or another vehicle.

Motorcyclist Accidents

Motorcyclists face substantial risks, with an overwhelming majority of accidents involving males:

2018: 354 (338 males, 16 females)

2019: 336 (324 males, 12 females)

2020: 285 (273 males, 12 females)

2021: 310 (299 males, 11 females)

2022: 350 (339 males, 11 females)

Gender Disparities Among Vulnerable Road Users

The data reveals that males are more frequently involved in accidents than females, particularly among vulnerable road users:

Pedestrians: Each year, male pedestrians are involved in more accidents than their female counterparts.

Pedal Cyclists: Male cyclists are consistently at higher risk compared to female cyclists.

Motorcyclists: Male motorcyclists represent 95-97% of all motorcycle accidents between 2018-2022.

Comparing Vulnerable Road Users to Car Occupants

While car occupants form the largest group in road traffic accidents, the relative risk for pedestrians, pedal cyclists, and motorcyclists remains disproportionately high when considering their numbers:

Car Occupants (2022): 788 (533 males, 255 females)

Pedestrians (2022): 385 (256 males, 129 females)

Pedal Cyclists (2022): 91 (76 males, 15 females)

Motorcyclists (2022): 350 (339 males, 11 females)

The substantial number of motorcycle, pedestrian and bicycle accidents highlight the vulnerability of these groups compared to those protected by the structure of a car.

Key Concerns

Accident Levels Post-Pandemic: Accident levels in 2022 were at their highest since the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating an urgent need for renewed safety efforts.

Persistent Risks for Pedestrians: Despite efforts to improve pedestrian safety, the number of accidents involving pedestrians has remained high, with males being particularly affected.

Cyclist Safety Concerns: The increase in cyclist accidents during 2020 points to a need for better cycling infrastructure and safety measures to protect this group.

Motorcyclist Vulnerability: Motorcyclists, particularly males, face significant risks on the roads. Improved safety awareness for all road users may help bring this number down.

Gender Disparity: The higher number of accidents involving males, particularly among vulnerable road users, suggests targeted interventions may be necessary to address this disparity.

The data underscores the ongoing risks faced by vulnerable road users, particularly pedestrians, pedal cyclists, and motorcyclists. With male pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists being disproportionately affected, there is a clear need for enhanced safety measures, such as improved pedestrian crossings, dedicated cycling lanes, and public awareness campaigns focused on the safety of these groups. This intervention would benefit all road users, regardless of their method of transport or gender.

For those affected by road traffic accidents, understanding your legal rights is crucial. Our team of experienced solicitors is here to provide support and guidance. Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your options. Call 0333 920 7939 or enquire online to begin your claim.

Tinder Swindler’s Cecilie Fjellhøy visits CEL Solicitors

rebeccaihiekwe — Fri, 10 May 2024 10:32:22 +0000

Netflix’s riveting true crime documentary, ‘The Tinder Swindler’, reveals the story of Israeli conman, Simon Leviev who manipulated numerous women into funding his lavish lifestyle. CEL Solicitors had the honour of welcoming the Tinder Swindler whistleblower Cecilie Fjellhøy, whose story captured global attention. Her visit to the firm shed light on the deceptive tactics employed by Simon Leviev and the devastating impact of romance fraud.

Cecilie’s Story

Originally from Norway, Cecilie Fjellhøy was living in London when she decided to venture into the world of online dating. After downloading Tinder, she matched with Simon Leviev (born Shimon Hayut), a jet-setting Israeli businessman who claimed to be the son of diamond mogul, Lev Leviev. Little did she know, her match with Simon would plunge her into a nightmare of manipulation and deceit.

Initially enamoured by Simon’s charisma and lavish lifestyle, Cecilie soon found herself entangled in a web of lies. Their relationship took a dark turn when Simon claimed that his ‘enemies’ were after him and that both he and Cecilie were in danger.

After convincing Cecilie that he was unable to use his credit card due to security issues, Simon’s requests for money began. From plane tickets to medical bills, Simon became increasingly persistent as the fictitious threats to his life intensified.

What started as an innocent favour spiralled into Cecilie being trapped in a cycle of fear and false promises. In just 54 days, she took out nine loans which totalled $250,000. After contacting one of her creditors who confirmed that Simon was in fact, a known fraudster, Cecilie had the crushing realisation that she had been deceived by the man she loved.

Dealing with the Impact of the Scam

The impact of romance scams extends far beyond the loss of finances; it shatters trust, erodes self-esteem, and leaves victims grappling with a sense of betrayal and disbelief.

Cecilie bravely shared the emotional and financial toll inflicted by the scam, revealing that she faced staggering interest rates of up to 20% and was expected to pay over £7,500 a month to her creditors. Forced to declare bankruptcy in the UK, Cecilie was summoned to court by the banks where she was treated like an accomplice of Simon’s rather than a victim.

After enduring a nightmarish ordeal, Cecilie was admitted to a psychiatric hospital where she continued to receive threatening text messages from Simon. Despite this, she credits her emotional recovery to her friends and family who were unwavering in their support.

Bringing the Tinder Swindler to Light

In an attempt to bring Simon’s crimes to light, Cecilie approached Verdens Gang, Norway’s most widely read online newspaper, who ran an elaborate investigative piece on Simon’s fraudulent activity, triggering other victims to come forward with their experiences. Shortly after, The Tinder Swindler debuted on Netflix, quickly becoming the platform’s most-watched documentary to date.

Captivating audiences worldwide, the documentary became a cultural phenomenon, propelling the term ‘Tinder Swindler’ into public consciousness and sparking essential discussions on the complexities of romance scams and fraud generally.

Cecilie’s Impact

Passionate about challenging the stigma that paints fraud victims as complicit or negligent, Cecilie speaks for many silent victims by empowering them and exposing the deceitful tactics used by scammers. She recently co-founded LoveSaid, a fraud centre and think tank which aims to support victims of romance scams.

Opening up to our team, Cecilie brought attention to the intersection of love and financial manipulation, highlighting how it is a breeding ground for exploitation and abuse. Her talk served as a call to action for financial institutions to do more to protect victims of fraud and to reassess their treatment towards them.

Cecilie’s journey from a hopeful romantic to a victim of the infamous Tinder Swindler is a cautionary tale that resonates with many of our clients who have ventured into the world of online dating seeking companionship, to then be manipulated and conned out of thousands. Yet, Cecilie’s unwavering determination is a testament to her resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.

At CEL Solicitors, we are committed to empowering victims of romance fraud by providing them with the legal support needed to facilitate their financial recovery.

If you’ve fallen victim to a romance scam, there is still hope for getting your money back. At CEL Solicitors we work tirelessly to help victims get their lives and their money back. Our dedicated fraud and scam team is on hand to help. Tell CEL today on 0808 273 0900 or apply online and a member of our team will be in touch.

Channel 4 News: Paul Hampson Champions Tenants’ Rights

danielkeeling — Wed, 08 May 2024 15:58:15 +0000

Paul Hampson, CEL Solicitors’ CEO, was recently interviewed by Channel 4 News regarding their investigation into the state of council houses in the UK.

The investigation, which included Freedom of Information data obtained from 50 English Councils, showed that since 2020, nearly 17 thousand housing disrepair claims have been made by social housing tenants.

CEL Solicitors, which itself has settled thousands of housing disrepair cases, acts for people whose homes are plagued by a range of defects such as structural issues, leaks, subsidence, damp and mould.

Commenting on why tenants are turning to legal firms for help, Paul Hampson said: “There is a saying in the UK that an English man’s home is his castle. It’s not a first choice to instruct a law firm and make a legal claim.

“The majority of our clients aren’t financially motivated [by compensation], they’re solely focused on the repairs. They’re living in poor quality accommodation and they just want to be house proud.”

There is currently an estimated 4 million social homes in England. Much of this accommodation, which was built in the mid-20th century, is ageing and councils aren’t keeping up with repairs. Frustrated, tenants are subsequently turning to ‘no win, no fee’ solicitors for help.

Commenting on the councils’ view that intervention by solicitors drives up their costs, Paul Hampson added: “If I had a local authority or a housing association, I would look to resolve matters as quickly as possible to keep costs down.

“Sometimes we have claims that go on for two or three years and it’s a fight to get the repairs made when people’s lives are at stake.”

If you are suffering from housing disrepair and your landlord refuses to help, don’t suffer in silence. Start your disrepair claim today by calling 0330 822 3762 or enquire online today.

LabHost Bust: Thousands Contacted by Police

danielkeeling — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 09:37:14 +0000

LabHost – a site designed to help scammers steal money from innocent victims – has been taken down thanks to the work of law enforcement agencies across seventeen countries. As of Thursday the 18th of April, police have contacted around 25,000 of the 70,000 victims based in the UK, offering support and advice.

What was LabHost?

LabHost was a one-stop-shop for scammers looking to target victims with incredibly realistic-looking fake websites. The service offered criminals the ability to impersonate over 170 trusted organisations including banks, online retailers, and healthcare agencies. The site served as a learning resource for would-be scammers, offering tips and advice on using the platform to steal money. LabHost also offered members the ability to request new brands and companies so that victims could be better targeted.

Membership to LabHost was priced between £200-£300 per month for criminals. Since its creation in 2021, the site is believed to have raked in around £1 million in subscription fees.

However, the actual cost of the service is significantly higher. LabHost was used by 2,000 criminals to generate 40,000 phishing sites and platforms, victimising and extorting from across the world. In the UK, 70,000 victims have already been identified, while globally the illicit service has stolen 480,000 card numbers, 64,000 PINs, and over a million online credentials.

Credit: Metropolitan Police

Law enforcement crackdown

On Wednesday 17th April, a joint task force led by the Met Police and comprising the National Crime Agency, The City of London Police, Europol, and various other regional and international law enforcement agencies seized and shut down the LabHost site.

Credit: Metropolitan Police

Authorities arrested a total of thirty-seven suspects between Sunday 14th and Wednesday in both the UK and abroad.

800 subscribers of the platform were identified and sent a warning message, with law enforcement demonstrating the extent of the criminal evidence held. Each of the 800 received a tailored video displaying the amount they spent on the illegal service, the websites replicated, and the data taken from victims.

Victims contacted by law enforcement

By Thursday 18th April, 25,000 of the 70,000 UK victims of LabHost scams had been contacted by detectives. Victims received a text message warning of the exact scam and fraudulent site that stole their information and money.

The message advises that victims proceed directly to the Met site for advice and further information, with a team of officers on hand to provide personalised support where needed.

Details of all crimes have also been passed to Action Fraud and UK Finance.

What should you do if someone contacts you?

Jason Costain, Chief Executive of Regulatory Complaints & Innovation at CEL Solicitors offers the following advice:

“The LabHost scam network was a global enterprise which offered highly advanced tools, turning would-be scammers into immoral and callous criminals.

“Using the platform, con artists replicated legitimate platforms like banks, delivery services and even healthcare providers. They stole millions of pounds from hundreds of thousands of victims across the world and ruined the lives and livelihoods of countless victims.

“Those affected by a scam using the platform should have received a message from the Met and been offered advice on what to do next. If your bank failed to prevent the theft of your money you may be able to launch a complaint to recover your lost funds.”

If your information has been compromised, follow the instructions in the message from the Met. They will be able to provide meaningful advice about your situation. You should then speak with your bank and make them aware of the crime, along with any money that has been stolen.

If your bank failed to protect your account from fraudulent activity and is not willing to assist in the recovery of your money, you have the option to file a complaint by yourself. Another option is to seek legal advice from a scam recovery service like CEL Solicitors who will be able to examine your case in detail.

Contact our fraud and scam recovery team by calling 0808 273 0900 or complete an online enquiry to begin your recovery.

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Higher Temperatures Cause Early Growth of Japanese Knotweed

rebeccaihiekwe — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:29:36 +0000

Tony Hill, Head of Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution at CEL Solicitors spoke with MSN about the alarming growth rate of Japanese knotweed this Spring.

Japanese knotweed grows at alarming rates in Spring; however, higher temperatures mean that the invasive plant is growing six weeks earlier than expected, which could leave homeowners with a financial burden if left untreated.

Tony Hill, Head of Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution at CEL Solicitors spoke with MSN, warning homeowners of the rapid growth of knotweed:

“The issue is the speed in which it grows and how easily it can spread. It also takes specialist treatment to get rid of it. Repair costs can mount up if it begins to overtake vegetation or find weaknesses in buildings. These bills are passed onto the individual whose land it has originated from.

“So, it is in any homeowners’ best interests to identify and eradicate this plant as soon as possible.”

How do I treat Japanese knotweed?

Treating Japanese knotweed can be challenging due to its resilient nature. Commenting on this, Tony said:

“If you notice signs of the plant, get a professional straight away to treat it. Attempting a DIY removal could accidentally spread it further, which could make you liable for damages.

“You should also identify if you were unknowingly sold a property with Japanese knotweed. Vendors are legally required to disclose if their property is or ever has been, affected by the plant.

“It is vital to take action no matter what condition the plant is in when you discover it.

“The plant will die back in autumn, the roots beginning to look a bit like bamboo canes, and it can stay dormant for years but there’s no telling when it will begin to grow and take over your garden again.”

What do I do if I find Japanese knotweed on my property?

If you discover that your property has Japanese knotweed, tell CEL. You can speak to our team of legal experts on 0808 273 0900 or complete our online form. We operate on a no-win-no-fee basis so find out how we can help you with your Japanese knotweed problem today.

How Crypto Scammers Lure in Their Victims

rebeccaihiekwe — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 15:12:39 +0000

Recently UK Finance revealed that over £239 million was lost to authorised push-payment fraud in the first six months of 2023, with investment scams accounting for nearly a quarter of reported losses. These figures sadly confirm that fraud is a national concern and that anybody can fall victim.

Scammers prey on individuals seeking extra income by offering enticing investment opportunities that ultimately collapse, leaving victims with substantial debts.

CEL Solicitors have recovered over £70 million to date for fraud victims. Our specialist fraud department speaks to hundreds of clients a week, particularly those who have lost thousands to bogus crypto investments.

As legal experts dedicated to recovering money lost fraud, we believe that it is important to arm individuals with knowledge and awareness about the tactics employed by crypto scammers.

How Crypto Scammers Target Their Victims

Fraudsters today are now targeting their victims online through social media, dating apps, emails, cold calls, and fake ads on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Google. Employing such tactics allows scammers to appear professional, thus tricking victims into handing over their personal details and banking information.

According to UK Finance, 77 percent of authorised push-payment fraud originated from fake websites, social media posts, and more.

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has provided scammers with sophisticated tools to trick victims. Fraudsters may even go as far as using AI to fabricate videos of public figures like Elon Musk and Martin Lewis endorsing fraudulent investment opportunities, adding a layer of legitimacy to their scams. As technology advances, it becomes increasingly imperative for individuals to remain vigilant and informed to protect themselves against evolving methods of exploitation.

How Crypto Scammers Convince People to Invest

Once the fraudsters have targeted their victims, they will be instructed to sign up for a fake trading platform. These websites are highly interactive, allowing users to access their funds and see their profits increase.

Individuals are usually encouraged to invest a small initial fee ranging anywhere between £250 to £500. The scammers promise high returns on these investments, eventually pressuring victims to invest larger amounts to receive greater profits. Often, fraudsters will refund a portion of the client’s initial investment, reassuring them that they can withdraw their funds from the platform freely.

A professional website with fabricated testimonials and live updates is usually enough to trick people into sending over thousands to fraudsters. However, criminals will employ further manipulative tactics, such as sending their victims articles and training videos, adding them to crypto WhatsApp group chats, and providing them with their own ‘financial advisor’.

Tell CEL

Despite the elaborate tactics employed by scammers, there are measures that individuals can take to protect themselves. Vigilance, scepticism, and thorough research are paramount when considering any investment opportunity, especially in the rapidly evolving landscape of cryptocurrency. By staying informed and seeking advice from reputable sources, individuals can mitigate the risk of falling victim to these deceitful schemes.

If you have fallen victim to a cryptocurrency scam, tell CEL. Our dedicated fraud department is on hand to offer free no-obligation advice and to help you get your money back. Call 0808 273 0900 or complete an online form and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

AI Scams: Don’t Let Bots Steal Your Money

danielkeeling — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 09:00:32 +0000

In our technology-driven world, where innovation often comes with hidden dangers, it’s crucial to understand the growing threat of Artificial Intelligence (AI) scams. As legal experts dedicated to your protection, we believe it’s important to shine a light on these complex schemes that target both individuals and businesses.

Different Types of AI Scams

Deepfake Scams

Deepfake technology alters videos or images to make it seem like someone is doing or saying something they never did. Scammers use this to impersonate trusted figures, such as company executives or government officials, tricking victims into taking harmful actions like sending money or sharing personal information. These fakes are so convincing that they can be hard to spot in everyday situations where you are not expecting to see them.

Real-Time Data Exploitation

Scammers use AI technology to analyse large amounts of data obtained through previous scams or data breaches in real-time. This allows them to customize their scams to individual targets, making them more believable and difficult to detect. These scams may even use personal details like your name, address, bank provider or even your medical history.

Fake Voice Scams

AI-generated voices can mimic the speech of loved ones, leading victims to believe they’re in danger or urgently need financial help. Scammers exploit emotions, convincing victims to send money or share personal details. They do this while leaving them believing their loved ones are at risk.

AI-Generated Emails

Scammers use AI to create convincing emails that look like they’re from legitimate sources like banks or government agencies. These emails often request urgent financial information, tricking victims into revealing sensitive data like online banking details. Unlike many previous scam emails, AI emails can look almost identical to real emails, making them harder to recognise.

Social Media Deception

Scammers deploy AI-powered bots to engage in genuine-seeming conversations on social media. Over time, these bots build trust before luring victims into fraudulent schemes, such as investment or romance scams. Like traditional romance scams – once they have built the trust of their victim, they create a reason to ask for money.

Combatting Scams with AI

While AI has been used by scammers, it also provides powerful tools for fighting fraud:

Advanced Detection Systems

AI can detect scams across various platforms, alerting users and authorities to potential threats in real-time.

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

NLP algorithms analyse text and speech patterns to identify fraudulent communication and flag suspicious messages.

Behavioural Analysis

AI-driven systems monitor user behaviour to detect irregular patterns, raising red flags for potential scams.

Image and Video Verification

AI tools verify the authenticity of visual media, identifying signs of manipulation or deepfake technology to prevent the spread of false information.

Content created using AI can be indistinguishable from human-created content. Regardless of personal opinions about AI, it’s becoming an integral part of our lives.

To demonstrate how useful and invisible AI can be: this entire article was created by AI before it was edited by a real person.

Tell CEL

If you’ve fallen victim to an AI scam, it’s essential to understand that you’re not alone. These scams can happen to anyone, regardless of how tech-savvy they may be. It’s not your fault, and you may still be able to recover your lost money.

At CEL Solicitors, we’re dedicated to helping individuals recover from the financial losses inflicted by scammers. Our team has assisted countless victims in seeking justice and reclaiming what is rightfully theirs. Call 0808 273 0900 or begin your claim online.

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