Help with Scams

What is it? Email scams impersonating legitimate sources such as banks, HMRC, PayPal, Apple, or Amazon.

How to spot it:

• General greetings like "Dear Sir/Madam" instead of your name
• Suspicious sender email addresses with random characters or misspellings

What to do: Avoid clicking links in emails. Instead, visit websites directly by typing the address into your browser.

What is it? Phone calls where scammers pose as bank or government officials.

How to spot it: Scammers will desperately pressure you to reveal personal information such as passwords, PINs, or account details.

What to do: Hang up and call your bank using the number on your card. Wait a few minutes before calling, as scammers can keep the line open.

What is it? Fraudulent investment opportunities with fake legitimacy markers.

Red flags:

• Unsolicited contact about investment opportunities
• Promises of high returns with low risk

How to verify:

• Check the FCA's ScamSmart website
• Search the FCA register
• Verify companies on Companies House

What to do: Report to the FCA or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

What is it? Scams targeting retirees with access to pension pots, particularly since the 2015 pension freedoms.

Warning signs: Same indicators as investment scams, plus unsolicited contact about pension reviews or transfers.

What to do: Report to the FCA or Action Fraud.

What is it? Email scams requesting upfront payments, often involving inheritance claims or currency transfers.

Red flags:

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
• Poor grammar and spelling
• Mismatched sender names and email addresses

What to do: Ignore these emails. Never share payment details or personal information.

What is it? Scammers trick victims into voluntarily sending payments by impersonating legitimate businesses.

Common scenarios:

• Home purchases
• Building work payments
• Holiday bookings

Prevention:

• Verify sender email addresses carefully
• Always confirm bank details through a trusted channel
• Check website legitimacy before making payments

What to do: Complain to your bank. Check the Which? website for victim resources.

What is it? Phone calls claiming your accounts are compromised and requesting transfers to "safe accounts."

Key point: Banks will never ask you to transfer money into a "safe account."

What to do: Hang up immediately. Call your bank directly using the number on your card.

What is it? Website-based scams that redirect users to fake sites, even when entering the correct web address.

How to spot it: Look for suspicious website addresses with altered spellings or numbers replacing letters.

What to do:

• Always observe website addresses carefully
• Keep your operating system and antivirus software updated
• Look for the padlock icon and https:// in the address bar

What is it? Text message scams claiming there are issues with your account or that you need to update your details.

Red flags: Phone numbers in texts that differ from the numbers on your bank card.

What to do: Call the number on your card to verify any messages. Never click links in unexpected text messages.

What is it? Scammers posing as Apple or Microsoft, requesting payment for software fixes or virus removal.

Reality check: Legitimate companies rarely make unsolicited calls about technical issues.

What to do: Contact software suppliers directly through their official websites. Never provide payment details to unexpected callers.

What is it? In-person fraud involving fake builders, charity collectors, or people claiming to be from government agencies.

Important note: The Money Advice Service has never, and will never, turn up to your home or contact you out of the blue.

What to do: Be suspicious of unannounced visitors. Report to police on 101, or 999 if you feel unsafe.

What is it? Purchase fraud through unauthorised sellers or fake reselling sites.

Prevention:

• Check if sites are members of STAR (Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers)
• Verify the website has HTTPS connections
• Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true

What to do: Avoid buying tickets through social media and auction sites.

Multi-Level Marketing (MLMs): Schemes where recruitment is more lucrative than actual product sales.

Dating Fraud: Fake profiles that establish relationships before requesting money.

Crash for Cash: Deliberately staged accidents to claim insurance.

Health Scams: False "miracle cure" advertisements and counterfeit medications.

Job Scams: Upfront payment schemes for non-existent positions or training.

Money Mules: Unwitting participation in money laundering schemes.

Online Auction Scams: Fake buyers or sellers in purchase or sale transactions.