Friendship fraud: warnings of rise in ‘insidious’ scam targeting older people

The first contact is often in a group on Facebook or through a direct message on Instagram, and a fraudster will take some time before asking for money. Photograph: Guerilla/Alamy

As you have got older, retirement has left you with more time on your hands. Loneliness has set in. Luckily, you have found a friend through one of the online motoring groups you are in, and a close bond has blossomed over your common interest in cars.

But your new friend has found themselves short when it comes to paying for their university textbooks, and has asked you for £50. It’s not much, and you get on so well that you agree to pay via bank transfer.