Martin Lewis, founder of Money Saving Expert (MSE), and Anabel Hoult, Chief Executive of Which?, have issued a joint letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to raise urgent concerns over the UK Government’s current approach to tackling online fraud.
The letter criticizes the recently published Government Fraud Strategy for its lack of robust measures, especially when compared with proactive steps taken against AI-generated deepfake abuse on platforms like Grok. Lewis and Hoult urge the Government to direct Ofcom—the regulator enforcing the Online Safety Act—to expedite enforcement against platforms that facilitate scam advertisements and fraudulent content.
“Fraud accounts for 45% of all crime in the UK, with the majority occurring online,” the letter states. It highlights the growing sophistication of scams, including the use of AI deepfakes to create false endorsements and fake news aimed at deceiving consumers. High-profile figures such as Martin Lewis, Deborah Meaden, and Richard Branson have had their reputations exploited in these ‘get rich quick’ schemes, adding to public distrust.
READ MORE: Sky Identifies Illegal Amazon Fire TV Stick Users, Issues Two-Week Ultimatum
READ MORE: Four New Council Tax Bands Proposed for High-Value Homes in England
Alarmingly, in the first half of 2025, 66% of authorised push payment (APP) fraud originated on major online platforms, with AI-driven tactics contributing to a 55% surge in investment scams over the past year. Furthermore, these platforms reportedly earn around £3.8 billion annually from scam advertisements targeting European users.
The letter condemns the tech companies for prioritizing frictionless advertising revenue over user protection, enabling scammers to reach millions with minimal checks. While government officials have voiced intentions to address these issues, Lewis and Hoult contend that, beyond a new data sharing initiative, there is little substantive action to regulate or penalize these firms.
They demand legally binding obligations under the Online Safety Act for platforms to safeguard users against scam advertising. They also call for Ofcom to urgently implement and enforce codes of practice, which have been delayed until at least 2027—leaving consumers vulnerable for years.
In closing, the letter requests clarity on how the Government will hold Big Tech accountable in the interim and urges immediate steps to prevent ongoing financial and emotional harm caused by online fraud.