UK consumers abandon online purchases due to scam fears

A study by the Institute of Customer Service reveals that fears of fraud are impacting the UK economy, with 31% of consumers having abandoned at least one online purchase due to concerns regarding website authenticity.

According to the findings, 58% of UK consumers reported being contacted by scammers impersonating real companies within the past year. The most prevalent methods identified were fake text messages, reported by 53% of those contacted, and fraudulent phone calls, reported by 49%.

Jo Causon, chief executive of the Institute of Customer Service, noted that the increasing sophistication of scams poses a significant challenge for both consumers and businesses. The report suggests that if left unaddressed, these concerns could undermine trust in organizations and limit the ability of UK businesses to grow.