hether by email, text or on social media, fraudsters can fool you into handing over personal details they then use to commit crime. Fraudsters try to appear as legitimate as possible, so it’s important to be vigilant and stay alert to anything suspicious. Stay up to speed with common frauds and you’ll be better prepared if you find yourself a target.

Frauds and scams to watch out for:

Fake social media ads

A tempting offer or deal pops up on your screen when you’re scrolling through your social media feed, but the too-good-to-be-true ad is exactly that and leaves you out of pocket.

Be suspicious, do your own research and double-check the firm behind them is legitimate

Phishing email scams

Fraudsters are still using the ‘phishing’ trick. An email which pretends to be from an authoritative source such as a bank, the taxman, a regulator or official company but is in fact a fake.

If you receive an unexpected email or one that you have no idea where it’s from, don’t open it. Delete it. Never click on a link or open any attachment in it.

Get in touch with the company or organisation directly via phone to ensure the message is legitimate.

Smishing text message scams

Fraudsters contact you via a text that appears to be from your bank, a major company or local authority warning you of fraud, asking you to take urgent action. You reply or call a given number, and end up giving away details such as log-in passwords and other personal information that fraudsters can use to defraud you.

Don’t click on any links. If it seems to be from a company you have a relationship with, always double-check the telephone numbers embedded in the text by visiting their official website.

How to report fraud:

Think you’ve been a victim of fraud? Please email [email protected] immediately and speak to your local law enforcement for further advice. Take a look at our Fraud Page to find out more information.