Being more aware starts here:
There are lots of scams out there, each targeting people in different ways-but all with the same goal: to trick you into giving them money or information. Be more aware of those trying to take advantage and where to go should you need help.
Here are a few types of scams we commonly see.
Investment scams.
One tactic a scammer might use is to pretend to be from a genuine investment firm, often convincingly, with the promise of quick or generous returns. Avoid unexpected offers, and visit the Financial Conduct Authority at register.fca.org.uk for simple steps on checking if the firm is legitimate.
Purchase scams
You might find a deal online. The seller seems genuine, and they answer promptly. But they ask you to pay by bank transfer. You don’t receive the goods, and they stop messaging you after payment. Be wary of generous deals and make sure to take your time before you buy.
Phone Scams
A cold call is a phone call out of the blue by a company or person you’ve never dealt with before usually trying to sell you something.
Bank scams
Watch out for calls supposedly from your bank about fraudulent use of your bank account or bank cards. Scammers might ask you for your PIN and tell you to give your bank card to a courier. Your bank would never do this.
Undercover police scams
These can be calls from someone claiming to be the ‘undercover police’, claiming that they’re investigating a member of staff at your bank and asking for your card details. The police would never ask you to take part in an investigation like this.
HMRC scams
You may get a call from someone claiming to be from HMRC saying there’s an issue with your tax refund or an unpaid tax bill. They may leave a message and ask you to call back. HMRC would never contact you this way and would never ask you to reveal personal financial information such as your bank account details.
Romance scams
Here, scammers build online relationships based on trust. They’ll manipulate and exploit that trust to eventually ask you for money( for example travel expenses to supposedly visit you). Don’t let money come into the relationship and ask your family and friends for advice.
Impersonation Scams.
Scammers pretend to be someone else, for example a trusted organisation-like the police or your financial provider. They claim your money is at risk or they need your help. But no legitimate organisation would ask you to move your money. Hang up if it doesn’t feel right.
