'I'm a scam expert - even I fell for this simple trick that's targeting every Brit'

'I'm a scam expert - even I fell for this simple trick that's targeting every Brit'Even experts get caught - investigative journalist Kaf Okpattah shares how a single click lost him his account, and why every Brit is now a target for the new generation of cyber scammers.TechnologyAimée Walsh Columnist and U35 Deputy Editor08:00, 23 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesKat Okpattah spoke to The Mirror about the prevalence of scams plaguing BritsMost people in the UK will have, at one point or another, been targeted by a scammer. It may be alarming to hear that - but it's true. Many Brits have been, through receiving a text from a number claiming to a bank or a postal service.‌What’s frightening is how every-day these attacks are. Investigative journalist and author Kaf Okpattah warns that everybody will fall victim to a scam in their lives. “It will happen sooner or later,” he told The Mirror. “We all have busy days. We all have days where, especially now that we're all suddenly glued to our phones, we're not always paying attention.”‌In his new book, Scam Nation, Okpattah investigates the new generation of cyber fraudsters, working hard online to part Brits from their hard earned cash.‌View 2 ImagesScam Nation by Kaf OkpattahREAD MORE: All British book prize shortlist features a novel that is 'impossible to forget'READ MORE: Best paperbacks to read now including a 'cult phenomenon' everybody is readingGiven his heightened awareness of scammers - their modes, their practices - even he has fallen foul to their devious methods. He explained: “It was rather embarrassing, but it just goes to show if they catch you at the right moment, you're doomed. We were getting ready to go out and there was a lot of chaos around the house.”For a brief moment, he opened his Instagram. There was a message from a friend. As the result of one split second decision, he was scammed.‌He said: “I saw a message from a close friend of mine saying, &q...