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Anthony Rudd had power tools stolen in a fake banking app scam - He lost GBP 1,000 as a result.
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The apps mimic legitimate mobile banking platforms and allow fraudsters to fake bank transfers in person, show the seller a “successful payment” message and then walk away, leaving sellers thousands of pounds out of pocket.
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About 500 reports of crimes involving fake banking apps have been made to Action Fraud in the past three years.
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Some of these apps were available on the Google Play store in the past but were removed. Google said the “safety and security of users is our top priority”. Now, BBC West Investigations have found versions of the apps available elsewhere online which can be downloaded directly to Android phones without the use of an official app store.
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Mr Rudd resigned from his job, as a result, because he said the scam had “a huge impact” on his mental health.
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Wiltshire Police told Mr Rudd it will not be taking any further action as it has been unable to identify the suspect since the incident on 11 February.
The article includes the accounts of two more victims who, unfortunately, for this type of scam.