Cybercrime: The Fastest Growing Crime You Need to Know About

Friends Against Scams have been working with The Cyber Helpline to educate people around the threats of cybercrime. Together, we have created a cybercrime factsheet with information on how to stay safe. Cybercrime is now one of the most common types of crime in the UK, with online and cyber-enabled offences making up 58% of all crime in England and Wales. More than 5 million people were affected in 2025 alone. Despite this, many victims still feel embarrassed, unsure where to turn, or unaware that what happened to them was a crime. Below, we break down what cybercrime is, who is most at risk, and the types of scams currently affecting people across the country. 

Cybercrime vs Cyber-enabled crime?

Cybercrime refers to any illegal activity carried out using the internet or a digital device such as a phone, tablet, or computer. In these cases, technology may be:

• • The tool used to commit the crime
  • The target of the crime
  • The environment where the crime takes place

 This includes offences such as hacking, data theft, and ransomware.

There is also cyber-enabled crime — traditional crimes that have become easier or more profitable through digital technology. These include: 

• • Investment scams
  • Identity theft
  • Online harassment

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone can become a victim of cybercrime. Offenders do not target people because they are “naive” — they target them because modern scams are sophisticated, convincing, and often personalised.

However, some groups are more frequently targeted:

• • Older adults, who may be less familiar with digital threats
  • People experiencing stress or financial pressure
  • Individuals who fear stigma, and may delay reporting

Cybercriminals often exploit emotions such as fear, urgency, loneliness, or trust to manipulate victims.

Common Types of Cybercrime

Cybercrime covers a wide range of offences, but most fall into two main categories: fraud & scams and malware-based attacks.

Fraud and Scams

• These scams often use urgency, fear, or emotional connection to pressure victims into acting quickly. They rely on deception, impersonation, and manipulation.
• Common examples include:
• Phishing – scam emails pretending to be from trusted organisations
• Smishing – fraudulent text messages
• Vishing – scam phone calls
• Romance fraud – fake online relationships used to gain trust and money
• Sextortion – threats to share intimate images unless payment is made
• Investment and cryptocurrency scams
• Online shopping fraud
• Unauthorised card use
• Recruitment scams
• Loan scams

Malware and Device-Based Attacks

• These attacks can lead to data loss, financial theft, or privacy breaches.
• Common examples include:
• Malware – malicious software designed to steal data or damage systems
• Ransomware – locks files or devices and demands payment to unlock
• Covert surveillance – hidden cameras, trackers, or spyware installed without consent

Why Cybercrime Is Increasing

Cybercrime continues to grow because:

• Offenders can operate anonymously
• Attacks can be automated and scaled
• More of daily life now happens online
• Victims often feel ashamed or unsure how to report it

Raising awareness is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk.

Staying Safe Online:

Understanding how cybercriminals operate is the first step in protecting yourself. If something feels unusual or rushed, it’s important to pause and check before taking action.

Report Fraud — 0300 123 2040 | reportfraud.police.uk/reporting-a-fraud/

Your bank or payment provider — as soon as possible if money is involved.

The platform where the crime occurred (social media, marketplace, email provider).

Where to get help:

If you believe you’ve been targeted, you are not alone — and support is available. Make sure to report the crime to:

• The Cyber Helpline - Victim support for sufferers of cybercrime, digital fraud and online harms for individuals and sole traders aged 13+.
• Citizens Advice - General advice including scams and fraud, available to anyone in the UK, free and confidential.
• Age UK - Scam awareness, prevention and victim support for people aged 50+ and those who support them.