A new warning has just been issued to UK users of platforms such as Gmail, Yahoo, Instagram and Facebook, and it’s not an alert anyone should ignore. The alarm has been raised by the team at Equifax who say almost six million pounds was handed over to online thieves last year alone. It’s a vast amount of money, and it’s easy to see how some are being caught with scammers using popular platforms such as email and social media accounts to attack people.

Equifax’s latest research shows that there were over 36,000 reported incidents using things such as Gmail, Yahoo and Facebook 2024.

Another stat, which many may not be aware of, is that you are more likely to become a victim depending on where. Latest analysis of National Fraud Intelligence Bureau’s (NFIB) dashboard data, shows that the East of England was hardest hit over a 12-month period. It’s shown that this UK region had 14.9 incidents per 1,000 people, with losses totalling over £700,000.

Next up was South Wales with 11.8 incidents reported per 1,000 people. It’s thought people living in this area handed over a combined total of £16,200 to s

As expected, London was also high on the list. The capital recorded 10.3 cybercrime incidents per 1,000 people across the past year, costing a staggering £849,100.

“The growing sophistication of cyberattacks poses a serious threat to the economy, personal privacy, and national security,” said Phillip Davies, Chief Information Security Officer of Equifax Europe.

“We urge everyone, from small businesses to large enterprises, to prioritise cybersecurity and take the necessary steps to protect sensitive information.”

If you are worried about keeping safe online, Equifax has released some "crucial" steps to follow which include keeping things protected using password, fingerprint or facial recognition technology.

Another top tip is to stay vigilant and not click on any links unless you are certain you know the sender’s identity.

Public Wi-Fi networks can also be dangerous so be careful what data you send when online in cafes and airports.

Using a password manager is a quick step to create stronger passwords, whilst setting up 2-factor authentication adds an additional layer of protection.

Finally, Equifax says to keep an eye on your apps. To reduce the risk of app-based cyberattacks, never download apps from third party sites. Instead, stick to official app stores such as the Apple App Store or Google Play.