MARTIN Lewis has issued an urgent warning to every Brit with a bank account over a “scourge on society” – which costs them £1,000s.
The money-saving guru took to social media to urge people to be on the lookout for scams.
Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning on his social media accountRex
The Money Saving Expert star hit out at dodgy ads posted by fraudsters on social media like Facebook.
Martin said he has become the “most scammed face” in the UK after being a victim himself in recent years.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, he advised thousands of followers of the dangerous scam.
He said: “Scam ads are a scourge on society. The resulting frauds can destroy peoples financial lives, self esteem and mental health.
“I have the dubious compliment of being the most scammed face in the UK.”
His post follows a recent campaign supported my the MSE to fight scam ads as part of a new online safety law.
According to Ofcom, nine in 10 Brits were victims of online fraud – with nearly half adults engaging with online scams.
Victims fall for dodgy ads requesting bank account details – which can end up cleaning up your balance.
Thousands of campaigners joined efforts to include a protection for consumers under the new internet safety laws.
The long-waited Online Safety Bill has now finally become law after years of controversial debates in Parliament.
Martin explained: “For years MSE and I have campaigned to get stronger laws to force social media firms, including here on X (though in my experience Facebook is even worse) to clamp down on these adverts they’re PAID to publish.
“Originally the government wasn’t going to put this in its Online Safety Bill, we fought hard, got it in, and finally last week that bill (which has many other elements, some controversial) was made law.”
“I hope this will start to reduce the number of scams.”
Under new laws, online platforms are required to prevent and remove harmful content to users.
However, the This Morning host said the bill is not enough and urged for an anti-fraud police to tackle scammers.
He added: “Its far from a panacea, we need better resourced anti-fraud police too, but its a good step in the right direction.”
The post has now amassed thousands of views with more than 600 likes from other users.
Dozens of users flocked to the comments section to share their thoughts and opinions.
One said: “That’s good news but there needs to be more done to educate those that are more vulnerable to these ads.
“Especially the older generations. It breaks my heart when I hear some of the stories.”
Another added: “Ads on Twitter/X or Facebook are simply not safe and, knowing this, why advertisers continue to use them is beyond me.
“I certainly would never follow an advertisement link on either platform.”
It comes as Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert has warned Sainsbury’s shoppers to act now to get up to £25 in free cash for Christmas.
The experts revealed their top tips in this week’s newsletter.
In it, the cash-savvy pros explained how to make the huge savings with five schemes currently open.