Santander Issues Urgent Warning Over Online Side Hustle Scams
Santander has issued a critical warning to customers about sophisticated online side hustle scams that could potentially cost individuals up to £95,000. The high street bank, which maintains branches across Birmingham and nationwide, has alerted consumers to exercise extreme caution as financial experts describe January as creating "a perfect storm" for fraudulent activities targeting vulnerable individuals.
Alarming Financial Losses Revealed
Recent data from Santander reveals that between October and December 2025, criminals successfully stole more than £95,000 from unsuspecting customers through deceptive schemes. These fraudsters typically offer money for completing simple "tasks" such as liking or sharing social media influencer videos, creating an illusion of easy earnings that masks their malicious intentions.
January Presents Heightened Risk Period
Chris Ainsley, Head of Fraud Strategy at Santander UK, explained the seasonal vulnerability: "January payday still feels a long way off for many, as the costs of Christmas start to roll in. Others use this time to reevaluate their finances and start saving for the year ahead. This search for additional income streams provides scammers with a prime opportunity to pounce on unsuspecting individuals."
Ainsley emphasised the importance of vigilance: "Be extremely wary of any job opportunities that seem too good to be true, particularly those promising returns for simply 'liking' social media content. Even if you've earned small amounts from similar activities previously, any request for an up-front payment to secure work should be treated as a definite scam."
Expert Analysis of the Scam Landscape
Marty Bauer, Retail and Ecommerce Expert at Omnisend, provided additional context: "January genuinely represents a perfect storm for these types of scams. Our research indicates that nearly three in ten people across the UK already maintain some form of side hustle, primarily to supplement their income amidst rising living costs."
Bauer continued: "After the Christmas period, when the next payday appears distant, people naturally become more receptive to online earning opportunities. This psychological vulnerability creates the ideal conditions for scammers to execute their schemes. Any job promising money for basic actions like 'liking' or 'sharing' content should immediately raise red flags."
Identifying Genuine Versus Fraudulent Opportunities
The expert outlined clear distinctions between legitimate and fraudulent income streams: "Authentic side hustles typically involve platforms like eBay, Vinted, and Depop where users can sell items directly. These require genuine effort rather than offering instant, guaranteed returns. Scammers often request upfront payments, redirect conversations to platforms like Telegram, or impersonate well-known brands without providing verifiable contact details."
Bauer added an important reality check: "Legitimate side hustlers usually earn modest amounts initially, frequently under £500 per month, rather than the substantial instant returns fraudulently promised by scammers."
Additional Professional Perspectives
Kate Underwood, Founder of Southampton-based Kate Underwood HR and Training, offered further insight: "If a supposed 'job' requires you to pay money before receiving payment yourself, it's not a legitimate side hustle - it's essentially a scam with professional presentation. These 'task' scams systematically groom your bank account through gradual escalation."
Underwood described the typical progression: "Initially, they might pay you a few pounds for liking videos to build trust and encourage relaxation of caution. Then comes the significant request: 'Top up to unlock earnings,' 'Pay a fee to withdraw,' or 'Upgrade your account.' Genuine employment pays you for your work; it never invoices you for the privilege of working."
The HR expert also highlighted less glamorous but equally damaging scams: "January represents peak season for more mundane traps too. For instance, you might purchase a vehicle, search online for 'car tax,' click the first sponsored link that appears official, and inadvertently sign up for a third-party subscription service. Money continues draining from your account while you remain untaxed."
Protective Recommendations for Consumers
Financial security experts recommend several protective measures:
- Thoroughly research any online earning opportunity before providing personal or financial information
- Never make upfront payments for promised work or earnings
- Verify the legitimacy of companies through official channels rather than relying on search engine results
- Monitor bank statements regularly for unexpected transactions
- Report suspicious activities to both your bank and Action Fraud immediately
As January continues to present heightened financial vulnerability, Santander's warning serves as a crucial reminder that vigilance remains the strongest defence against increasingly sophisticated online scams targeting those seeking additional income streams.
