Martin Lewis Criticizes Keir Starmer on Online Fraud Response
Martin Lewis slams Keir Starmer's 'lack of action' against online fraud hurting 'millions'

Image: Express
Consumer advocate Martin Lewis has criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his inadequate response to online fraud, which affects millions. In a letter co-signed with Anabel Hoult of Which?, they urged the government to hold Big Tech accountable for facilitating fraud, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory action.
- 01Fraud accounts for 45% of all crime in the UK, with a significant portion occurring online.
- 02In the first half of 2025, 66% of authorized push payment fraud originated on major online platforms.
- 03Online platforms reportedly generate about £3.8 billion annually from scam advertisements targeting European users.
- 04Lewis and Hoult called for the government to direct the regulator Ofcom to enforce its code of practice on fraud.
- 05The letter emphasized that online fraud not only harms victims financially but also impacts their mental health.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Martin Lewis, founder of Money Saving Expert, has expressed strong criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's approach to online fraud, describing it as 'woefully lacking.' In a letter co-authored with Anabel Hoult, head of the consumer group Which?, they highlighted the government's failure to hold Big Tech accountable for online scams that affect millions. They noted that fraud constitutes 45% of all crime in the UK, with a rising trend in scams linked to artificial intelligence. The letter pointed out that 66% of authorized push payment fraud in the first half of 2025 began on major online platforms, which are profiting from these fraudulent activities. Lewis and Hoult urged the government to take decisive action, including instructing the regulator Ofcom to implement its code of practice to combat fraud. They stressed the urgent need for accountability to protect consumers from financial and emotional harm caused by scams, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated through the use of deep fakes and misleading advertisements.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The government's inaction on online fraud could lead to continued financial losses and emotional distress for millions of victims in the UK.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Should the government take stronger action against online fraud?
Connecting to poll...
More about Money Saving Expert
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.

